Why Drinking Beer Alongside A Plate Of Fried Chicken Tastes So Good

Sometimes it's not so much what you eat, but what you drink with it that transforms a meal from, "That's good," to, "That slaps!" One such food-and-drink pairing is so universally hailed that Ludacris even named his fourth studio album after it — "Chicken-N-Beer" – as well as his two airport restaurants, Ludacris' Chicken and Beer. To gain insight into what makes this particular duo so dynamic, Tasting Table reached out to Patrick Rue, a Master Cicerone beer expert and founder of The Bruery beer company.

When asked what makes the complementary combo tick, Rue responded, "Fried chicken is wonderfully rich, salty, and fatty, which can quickly saturate your palate. Beer's carbonation and bitterness act like a reset button, cutting through that heavy grease and prepping your tongue for the next bite." In other words, it's the ultimate palate cleanser. One contributing factor Rue didn't mention is the temperature contrast between this power pairing. Thermoreceptors in the mouth detect and enhance the perception of flavor intensity you receive, alternating between an ice cold beer and a plate of piping hot fried chicken, increasing your enjoyment. This effect can also be chemically activated by spicy foods like cayenne.

Another possible explanation for why it's just so damn good is the double dopamine hit you're getting. According to research gathered by Indiana University School of Medicine, just the taste of beer (even without alcohol), has been shown to increase dopamine levels. Likewise, comfort foods such as fried chicken cause the brain to release dopamine. Taking all this into consideration, beer and fried chicken end up being kind of a no-brainer, or rather an all-brainer in terms of chemical reactions.

When asked what style of beer he enjoys with fried chicken, Rue revealed that American amber ale is the most complementary flavor-wise. "It has a pronounced malt character, balanced bitterness, and a crisp, dry finish," he explained. "The toasty, biscuity qualities of the amber ale perfectly mirror the crunchy fried crust, while the beer's mild caramel sweetness acts like a subtle, honey-like drizzle over the chicken." Think how good a honey-slathered biscuit tastes with fried chicken and you'll get the picture.

American amber ale, a richer more amber-gold sip than pale ales, with a toffee-forward flavor, is also one of the best beer pairings to balance spicy foods, such as Jamaican jerk chicken. In relation to fried chicken, Rue sums it up saying, "It stands up to the dish beautifully without overwhelming it."

Though opinions on what beer to pair with fried chicken run the gamut depending on who you ask, you might wonder which styles of beer you should avoid with it. Rue cautions against American light lagers. "While they're undeniably refreshing, they lack the flavor backbone to stand up to fried chicken. The rich, savory dish completely overpowers the beer, leaving you with a pairing that feels watery and uninspired rather than elevated," he said. Of course, it ultimately comes down to personal taste, and being unsure just means more excuses to sample various combos. For more food-for-thought on the subject, check out this master brewer's tip for approaching food and beer pairings.