Chicken is one of the most versatile and popular proteins available. It’s lean, healthy, and can be cooked in so many different ways. But when it comes to pairing wine or other alcoholic beverages with chicken, many people might not know where to start.
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious wines and spirits that can complement the flavors of chicken, whether it’s roasted, grilled, or fried. In this blog post, we’ll explore which alcohols are good for chicken and share some tips on how to choose the perfect pairing.
Red Wine
Red wine is a classic pairing for many meat dishes, including chicken. For example, a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux can hold up to the rich, hearty flavors of roasted or grilled chicken. These wines are also good choices if you’re serving chicken with a tomato-based sauce or a side of mushrooms.
If you prefer a lighter red, Pinot Noir is a great choice. It’s versatile enough to pair well with both white and dark meat and offers flavors of cherry, cranberry, and spice that can complement chicken’s natural sweetness.
White Wine
If you’re more of a white wine fan, there are plenty of great options for pairing with chicken. For example, an oaked Chardonnay can complement the smoky flavors of grilled chicken or add richness to a cream sauce. If your chicken dish has a lemon or herb flavor, try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which can bring out those subtle notes.
When pairing white wine with chicken, it’s important to consider the cooking method and the accompanying flavors. For example, a buttery white wine might be too heavy for a light, citrusy dish, while a crisp, dry white wine may pair perfectly with a grilled or roasted chicken dish.
Rosé
Rosé is a perfect pairing for chicken because it is light and refreshing, but still has enough flavor to stand up to meat. Choose a dry or semi-dry rosé to complement the delicate flavors of chicken and balance any spiciness or acidity.
Beer
If you’re looking for a beer to pair with chicken, you have a few options to choose from. A lighter lager or pilsner pairs well with fried chicken or spicy chicken wings. For grilled or roasted chicken, try pairing with a brown ale or amber ale, which can add some depth and flavor without overpowering the dish.
Spirits
You might not think of spirits as a go-to choice for pairing with chicken, but there are a few that work well. For example, a crisp gin and tonic can complement the subtle herbs and citrus notes in chicken. Whiskey or bourbon can add a smoky or sweet flavor to grilled or roasted chicken, while tequila or rum can bring out some of the spiciness in a Mexican or Caribbean-style chicken dish.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pairing
When choosing an alcohol to pair with chicken, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the flavors and spices in your chicken dish. Are there any dominant flavors that you want to complement or balance out? Next, think about the texture and weight of the dish. Lighter meats like chicken breasts pair well with lighter wines and beers, while darker meats like chicken legs can hold up to heavier, more full-bodied options.
Another important factor to consider is the cooking method. Grilled, roasted, and fried chicken all have different flavors and textures that can affect which pairing will work best. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Wine and beer tastings can be a fun way to discover new pairings that you may not have considered before.
Conclusion
When it comes to pairing alcohol with chicken, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer red wine, white wine, beer, or spirits, there’s a pairing that can complement the flavors and textures of your chicken dish. By considering the cooking method, flavors, and weight of your dish, you can find the perfect pairing that enhances the overall dining experience. So next time you’re planning a chicken dinner, don’t forget to think about the alcohol pairing as well!
FAQ
What alcohol goes best with chicken?
When it comes to deciding what alcohol goes well with chicken, there are a few factors to consider – the type of chicken, the way it is cooked and the flavor profile of the dish. As a general rule, white meat such as chicken or turkey breast pairs well with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, while dark meat like duck and other game go well with medium-bodied red wines such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.
For those who enjoy beer with their meals, chicken dishes would pair well with pilsners, IPAs, hefeweizens or wheat beers. A pilsner with its crisp and slightly bitter taste would complement grilled chicken or a chicken schnitzel. Whereas a hefeweizen or wheat beer with its fruity, citrusy notes would work well with chicken dishes that are spiced with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Spirits such as whiskey or brandy can also be paired with chicken dishes. Bourbon whiskey, with its caramel and vanilla notes, pairs well with chicken dishes that have a sweet and spicy flavor profile like barbecued or smoked chicken. Brandy, on the other hand, with its rich and fruity taste, complements dishes that have a creamy or nutty flavor profile.
But it’s not just about the type of alcohol, the way the chicken is cooked also plays a role. Fried chicken, for instance, pairs well with light-bodied white wines like Riesling or Gewurztraminer. While grilled chicken, with its smoky flavor, would go well with a bold and full-bodied red wine like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon.
When it comes to pairing alcohol with chicken dishes, one can’t go wrong with white wines for white meat and red wines for dark meat. Beer lovers can experiment with pilsners, IPAs, hefeweizens or wheat beers, while whiskey or brandy enthusiasts can go for Bourbon whiskey or Brandy respectively. The type of alcohol chosen also must complement the flavor profile of the dish and the way the chicken has been cooked.
Can we eat chicken with alcohol?
The consumption of alcohol with any kind of food depends on many factors such as the type of alcohol, amount of alcohol, and the food you are consuming. However, when it comes to eating chicken, it may be a better option than many other food items if you’re planning to drink alcohol. High in protein, chicken may help slow the rate of alcohol being absorbed into the body.
Protein, along with fat and fiber, takes longer to digest, which can help slow how quickly your blood alcohol level increases. This means that if you have chicken before drinking, it can potentially prevent you from becoming too drunk too quickly. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while protein may help slow down the absorption of alcohol, it won’t prevent you from getting drunk if you continue to drink excessively.
It’s also worth noting that consuming alcohol along with chicken can potentially have negative impacts on your health. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body, and overeating chicken can also have the same effect. So, if you’re going to pair chicken and alcohol, it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Moreover, fried chicken should be avoided as it can exacerbate feelings of nausea or discomfort when consumed with alcohol. Instead, opt for grilled or baked chicken that’s cooked with healthy ingredients like herbs and spices. Additionally, if you are drinking alcohol, it’s important to consume your chicken in moderate portions.
While consuming chicken with alcohol is not completely prohibited, it’s important to be mindful of both the quantity of chicken consumed and the effects of alcohol on your body. Keeping a balanced diet and hydrating well while drinking can help mitigate any potential negative effects.
Does alcohol tenderize chicken?
Alcohol is often used in marinades for chicken, both for flavor and to tenderize the meat. However, the question remains: does alcohol actually tenderize chicken?
The short answer is no, alcohol does not tenderize chicken. While alcohol can add flavor and can help to break down the proteins in meat, it is not an effective tenderizer on its own. Meat needs to be physically broken down through slicing, pounding, or cooking in order to become more tender.
When you marinate chicken in alcohol, the alcohol will, in fact, cook the surface of the meat. This creates a barrier that can make it harder for the marinade to penetrate deeply into the flesh. This means that the chicken may absorb less of the marinade and may not become as tender as you would like it to be.
That being said, alcohol can still be a useful ingredient in marinades for chicken. When combined with other ingredients like acid (e.g. lemon juice or vinegar) and salt, the alcohol can help to create a flavorful and effective marinade that will infuse the chicken with taste and tenderness. Just be sure to balance the alcohol with other ingredients to avoid cooking the surface of the meat and preventing it from absorbing the marinade.
While alcohol is not a standalone tenderizer for chicken, it can be a useful ingredient in a well-rounded marinade that can both flavor and tenderize the meat.
