The Best Craft Beer and Fried Chicken Pairings You Need to Try

 Cluckin’ Good Pairings: The Ultimate Guide to Beer and Fried Chicken

Crafty Dogg’s Guide to Tasty Bites and Perfect Pints

Let’s be honest: fried chicken and beer is a match made in salty, crunchy, crispy heaven.

But not all beers are created equal — and not all chicken is just a wing and a prayer.

Welcome to Episode 2 of our "Craft Beer Pairing Series You Didn’t Know You Needed!"

This time, it’s all about finding the perfect pint for that glorious golden bird.

(Spoiler: Your taste buds are about to throw a party.)

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Why Beer and Fried Chicken Work So Well Together

In simple terms: it’s all about balance.

Fried chicken brings the fat, salt, spice, and crunch.

Craft beer brings the bubbles, bitterness, sweetness, and chill vibes.

Together, they cleanse, contrast, and absolutely demolish boring flavor combos.

Basically, fried chicken + beer = true love. Science probably agrees.

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Crafty Dogg’s Fried Chicken + Beer Pairing Menu

1. Classic Fried Chicken + American Pale Ale (APA)

Golden, crispy, salty... meet bright, citrusy, and lightly bitter.

The APA’s zingy hops cut through the grease and get you ready for bite after bite (after bite).

Fun Fact: Pale Ales were literally designed to pair with heavy English pub food. Fried chicken fits right in.

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2. Spicy Korean Fried Chicken + Belgian Witbier

Sticky, spicy, sweet Korean chicken meets the soft, citrusy hug of a Belgian Witbier.

The slight sweetness and spice of the beer cool the heat and let the flavors sing.

(Yes, you will look very dramatic eating it. Yes, it’s worth it.)

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3. Buttermilk Fried Chicken + Saison

Buttermilk makes fried chicken super tender and tangy.

Saisons bring a dry, peppery, farmhouse funk that dances beautifully with it.

This is the cool artsy couple of food and beer pairings.

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4. Nashville Hot Chicken + Hazy IPA

Got fire in your mouth? Good.

The juicy, tropical vibes of a Hazy IPA will take the edge off without stealing the show.

Think mango, pineapple, and a little cloud of happiness with every gulp.

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5. Southern Fried Chicken + Pilsner

Simple. Iconic. Unbeatable.

A crisp, clean Pilsner is like hitting the flavor reset button — in the best possible way.

Light enough not to overwhelm, but flavorful enough to join the party.

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Pro Tip from Crafty Dogg:

Never underestimate the power of bubbles.

Carbonation scrubs your palate clean between bites, meaning every bite of fried chicken feels like the first.

It’s basically magic. Delicious, slightly boozy magic.

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Final Sip

Whether you’re team wings, thighs, drumsticks, or “just give me the whole bucket,”

there’s a perfect craft beer waiting to high-five your fried chicken.

Experiment. Get messy. Post the evidence.

And remember: good beer deserves great food — even if it comes in a greasy paper bag.