Grilled chicken is one of the most versatile BBQ meats. From smoky thighs to charred drumsticks, juicy wings to whole birds infused with herbs, chicken can take on so many flavours on the barbecue. The drinks you serve with it can elevate every bite. After years of grilling in gardens, camping sites, and back patios, I’ve pulled together my favourite beer and wine pairings for BBQ chicken to help you make the most of your next cookout.
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Understanding BBQ Chicken Flavours
Chicken has a mild, tender profile that absorbs marinades, rubs, and smoke easily. BBQ chicken dishes range from light and lemony to spicy, sticky, or smoky. A citrusy marinade with garlic and herbs calls for a bright, refreshing drink, while a sweet and spicy glaze needs something that can balance and refresh. I always look for drinks that complement chicken’s flavour without overpowering it.
Which Beer for BBQ Chicken?
Wheat Beers with Citrus and Herb Chicken
When grilling chicken breasts or thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and rosemary, a Belgian-style witbier or German hefeweizen works wonders. The subtle banana and clove from a hefeweizen bring warmth, while the citrus in a witbier echoes the marinade’s zing. One summer, I paired a citrus-marinated spatchcock chicken with a chilled witbier, and every sip felt like a gentle breeze cutting through the heat of the BBQ.
Pilsners with Crispy Chicken Skin
If you’re serving chicken with crispy, flame-kissed skin, a crisp pilsner is my go-to. Its light body and soft bitterness cut through the fat and highlight the smoky char. The clean finish resets your palate between bites, which makes it ideal for smoky grilled wings or rotisserie-style BBQ chicken.
Amber Ales for Sweet and Smoky Glazes
Sticky BBQ sauces with brown sugar, molasses, or honey benefit from an amber ale. The caramel malt sweetness in the beer harmonises with the glaze, while a touch of hop bitterness stops it from becoming cloying. I’ve poured amber ale alongside sticky bourbon BBQ wings, and it was the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and malty.
IPAs for Spicy Wings
For fiery chicken wings, like these spicy chicken wings, with hot sauces or a spicy dry rub, a session IPA or American pale ale stands up well. The hops tame the heat, and the carbonation refreshes your mouth. I remember one rainy BBQ where spicy peri-peri chicken skewers met a chilled pale ale. It turned the meal into something unexpectedly vibrant and memorable.
Which Wine for BBQ Chicken?
Chardonnay for Creamy or Buttery Marinades
For chicken in creamy marinades or buttery bastes, like garlic butter BBQ thighs, a lightly oaked Chardonnay offers a beautiful match. The wine’s roundness mirrors the richness of the chicken while its acidity keeps things fresh. I’ve paired buttery BBQ chicken skewers with a chilled Chardonnay and loved how the wine’s hints of vanilla complemented the charred edges.
Sauvignon Blanc for Citrus and Herb Flavours
When chicken is marinated with lemon, lime, or fresh herbs like in our Mediterranean lemon & oregano chicken skewers recipe, a Sauvignon Blanc works well. Its bright acidity and grassy notes cut through any oiliness and lift the dish. I like serving it with lemon-thyme chicken drumsticks straight off the grill.
Pinot Noir for Smokier Cuts
Smoky chicken dishes, especially those cooked over mesquite or hickory, can handle a light red wine like Pinot Noir. Its soft tannins and cherry notes don’t overpower the meat and pair well with a variety of rubs and marinades. On cool autumn evenings, I’ve served smoky chicken thighs with a gently chilled Pinot Noir, and it was a perfect pairing. Read more in our article about which wood chips to use for smoking chicken for more BBQ smoking inspiration.
Rosé for Versatile Pairing
Rosé is a reliable option when your BBQ chicken menu includes different styles. It has enough acidity to work with citrusy dishes and enough fruit to handle light spice. Dry rosés from Provence are particularly versatile. I’ve poured them with everything from peri-peri wings to grilled lemon chicken.
Tips for Serving Beer and Wine with BBQ Chicken
Serve wheat beers and pilsners cold, while amber ales should be slightly warmer. Chill Sauvignon Blanc and rosé thoroughly, but let Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sit for a few minutes out of the fridge before pouring. For outdoor gatherings, I like stemless glasses and sturdy pints—they’re easy to handle and reduce the risk of breakage.
Final Thoughts: Pairing Drinks with Chicken
Finding the right beer or wine for BBQ chicken is all about enhancing its flavours. Whether it’s spicy wings with a pale ale, smoky thighs with Pinot Noir, or lemony breasts with Sauvignon Blanc, the perfect pairing makes every bite feel intentional. For more drink pairings across all your BBQ meats and vegetables, visit my BBQ Drinks Guide: Which Beer and Wine Go with Grilled Meats. You can also explore BBQ pork wine and beer pairings and beer and wine pairings for BBQ Beef guide for more inspiration, and don’t miss my BBQ Vegetable Pairings guide if your grill is packed with plant-based options.