The 10 Best Beers For Fried Chicken

Best Beer For Fried Chicken

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There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of crispy, juicy fried chicken. But what kind of beer should you drink with it?

Some dishes go well with the local beer types in every beer culture. German sausages and lagers, Belgian Moules Frites, and American fried chicken and beer are just a few examples of food pairings.

  1. Pabst Blue Ribbon
  2. Yuengling Traditional Lager
  3. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
  4. Lagunitas IPA
  5. Boulevard Wheat
  6. New Belgium Fat Tire
  7. Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale
  8. Stone Enjoy By IPA
  9. Founders All Day IPA
  10. Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale

Why Do You Need Beer For Fried Chicken?

The skin on chicken is full of flavor and when you fry it, that flavor gets locked in. But to get that delicious fried chicken flavor, you need to add beer to the equation.

The alcohol in the beer helps to tenderize the meat and also adds a subtle flavor that takes the dish to the next level. 

So, next time you’re making fried chicken, be sure to include a can or two of beer!

Read More: The Best Beer For Pulled Pork: Top 10

Benefits Of Beer When Preparing Fried Chicken

  • Beer can help to tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful.
  • The carbonation in beer can help to create a crispy, golden-brown crust on the chicken.
  • The alcohol in beer can also act as a natural flavor enhancer, helping to bring out the best flavors in the chicken.
  • Beer can also help to keep the chicken moist while it is cooking, preventing it from drying out or becoming overcooked.
  • Using beer when preparing fried chicken can simply be a fun way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and to create a dish that is uniquely your own. So go ahead and give it a try!

Best Beer For Fried Chicken

When pairing beer with fried chicken, it’s best to stick with moderately-bodied, well-balanced styles which will complement the flavors of the dish without overwhelming it.

  1. Pabst Blue Ribbon

This beer is a great option for those who want a classic American lager. It has a light body and low bitterness, making it a perfect pairing for fried chicken.

  1. Yuengling Traditional Lager

Another classic American lager, Yuengling is a bit sweeter than Pabst Blue Ribbon. It’s still light-bodied and goes well with fried chicken.

  1. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

A good choice for those who want something a bit more flavorful, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a well-balanced beer with a nice hop presence. 

The maltiness pairs well with the crispy skin of the fried chicken.

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  1. Lagunitas IPA

If you’re looking for a hoppier beer to pair with your fried chicken, Lagunitas IPA is a great option. 

The bitterness helps cut through the grease of the fried chicken and the citrusy hops complement the flavors of the dish.

  1. Boulevard Wheat

A refreshing wheat beer, Boulevard Wheat is a good choice for those who want something a bit lighter. The subtle sweetness pairs well with the spices in fried chicken.

  1. New Belgium Fat Tire

Another solid amber ale, New Belgium Fat Tire has a bit more body than Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. It’s well-balanced and has a nice maltiness that pairs well with fried chicken.

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  1. Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale

A great choice for those who want an aggressively hoppy beer, Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale is a classic American pale ale. 

The hops help cut through the grease and the citrusy flavors complement the spices in fried chicken.

  1. Stone Enjoy By IPA

A super fresh and hoppy IPA, Stone Enjoy By IPA is a great choice for those who want a bitter beer. The hops help cut through the grease and the citrusy flavors complement the spices in fried chicken.

  1. Founders All Day IPA

A solid session IPA, Founders All Day IPA is a great choice for those who want a lighter-bodied beer with plenty of flavors. The hops help cut through the grease and the citrusy flavors complement the spices in fried chicken.

  1. Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale

A classic American IPA, Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale is a great choice for those who want a hoppy beer with plenty of flavors. 

The hops help cut through the grease and the citrusy flavors complement the spices in fried chicken.

Beers To Stay Away From When Preparing Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a delicious Southern staple, but not all beers are created equal when it comes to pairing with this dish. Here are a few beers to avoid when preparing fried chicken:

IPA’s 

The hoppy bitterness of an IPA can overwhelm the delicate flavors of fried chicken.

Stouts

The heavy, roasted maltiness of a stout can clash with the crispy outer coating of fried chicken.

Light lagers

These beers lack the body and flavor to stand up to the richness of the fried chicken.

Sour beers

The acidity in sour beers can cut through the grease of fried chicken and make the dish seem overly greasy.

Fruit beers

The sweetness of fruit beers can be cloying when paired with the savory flavors of fried chicken.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Beer Makes The Finest Beer Batter?

You can use any beer, but avoid dark, strongly flavored beers like stouts or porters because they will overpower the batter’s flavor and color. For beer-battered fish, any light-colored beer will do. Just stay away from dark, flavorful beers like porter and stout.

With Which Beer Can You Pair Chicken Wings?

To complement the large, bold flavors of buffalo wings, choose an equally bold beer. IPAs and pale ales made in the United States will work. Both have a jolting bitterness and citrus fruity and hop tastes that will play defense and offense, contrasting with the searing sauce and bringing forth its best qualities.