Wine, Beer & More

There’s something about salty, savory grilled chicken wings that makes me want to reach for a cold drink. And finding the best drink pairings with grilled chicken wings seasoned with Japanese umami seasoning, the flavors become even more irresistible.

My Japanese Grilled Chicken Wings are made with just three ingredients: chicken wings, salt, and Ajinomoto. No marinades, sticky sauces, or complicated seasonings. Just wonderfully juicy chicken with a golden, savory exterior that’s packed with flavor.

Of course, a dish this delicious deserves something equally enjoyable to drink!

I’ve experimented with several wines and beers over the years, and while I love a good red wine, my usual favorites just don’t seem to do these wings justice. Instead, I find myself reaching for crisp white wines, refreshing rosés, or an ice-cold beer.

Here are a few of my favorite drink pairings with grilled chicken wings, along with some delicious nonalcoholic options.

White Wine: Crisp, Refreshing & Delicious

White wine is one of my favorite choices for these Japanese Grilled Chicken Wings. The salty, savory seasoning calls for something refreshing that balances the richness of the chicken without overpowering its delicate flavor.

A few wonderful options include:

• Pinot Gris. One of my personal favorites! Its crisp acidity and refreshing fruit flavors complement the savory umami seasoning beautifully.
• Sauvignon Blanc. Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully refreshing. Its lively acidity provides a delicious contrast to the richness of the grilled chicken.
• Pinot Grigio. Light, crisp, and approachable, making it a great choice for outdoor entertaining and summer barbecues.
• Dry Riesling. A refreshing alternative with bright acidity and subtle fruit flavors that work particularly well with savory Japanese-inspired dishes.

My pick: Pinot Gris. It’s crisp, refreshing, and just the right balance for these incredibly flavorful wings.

Rosé: A Summer Barbecue Favorite

If there’s one wine that practically begs to be enjoyed outdoors on a warm afternoon, it’s a chilled glass of rosé.

And it just so happens to be a wonderful companion for grilled chicken wings.

Dry rosé combines the freshness of white wine with some of the fruity character you’d expect from a red. That makes it especially enjoyable with the golden, lightly charred skin and rich umami flavors of these wings.

Look for:

• Provence-style rosé. Light, dry, and refreshing, with delicate fruit flavors that complement the wings without competing with the seasoning.
• Pinot Noir rosé. A slightly fruitier option with bright acidity that stands up nicely to grilled chicken.

My pick: A chilled Côtes de Provence rosé, especially Chateau Miraval. It’s a wonderful choice for backyard barbecues and casual summer gatherings.

Riesling: For Those Who Love Sweet and Salty

If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations, you’re going to love this pairing.

A slightly sweet Riesling creates a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of these wings. The wine’s natural acidity keeps everything refreshing, while a touch of sweetness balances the salty seasoning.

You don’t want anything overly syrupy or dessert-like. A lightly sweet, off-dry Riesling is just right.

My pick: Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling. It’s a favorite of mine and a lovely choice when I’m in the mood for something a little sweeter.

Beer: An Almost Perfect Match

Beer and salty foods go together like peanut butter and jelly. And these Japanese Grilled Chicken Wings are no exception!

The carbonation helps refresh your palate between bites, while the beer’s malt and hop flavors complement the golden, grilled chicken.

Here are some delicious choices:

• Japanese lager. Crisp, clean, and refreshing. A Japanese lager like Sapporo is a natural choice for these Japanese-inspired wings.
• Pilsner. Light, refreshing, and slightly bitter, with just enough character to balance the salty seasoning.
• Belgian style ale. A medium-to-heavy body that won’t overwhelm the food. At the same time, the beer’s honey-like malt sweetness provides a pleasant “sweet-and-salty” contrast.
• Pale ale. A wonderful middle ground, with enough hop character to complement the chicken without overwhelming the umami seasoning.

My pick: An ice-cold Sapporo. It’s crisp, refreshing, and a terrific match for these wings. Plus, I love keeping with the Japanese-inspired theme.

Nonalcoholic Drinks: Refreshing Alternatives

You don’t need wine or beer to enjoy a great pairing. In fact, some of the simplest drinks are wonderful complements to these savory wings.

• Sparkling water with citrus. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a crisp, refreshing contrast to the salty seasoning.
• Chilled green tea. A lovely Japanese-inspired option with subtle earthy notes that complement the umami flavor.
• Unsweetened iced tea. A refreshing, slightly tannic choice that won’t compete with the wings.
• Lemonade. A little sweetness and bright citrus make a delicious contrast to the savory chicken.
• Nonalcoholic Japanese-style lager. A great option for enjoying the crisp, malty character of beer without the alcohol.

My pick: Chilled green tea or sparkling water with lime. Both are wonderfully refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.

My Favorite Drink Pairings with Grilled Chicken Wings

If I’m pouring wine, Pinot Gris is my first choice. It’s crisp, refreshing, and complements the savory umami seasoning without competing with it.

For summer barbecues, a chilled Provence-style rosé is another favorite. And when I’m in the mood for beer, an ice-cold Sapporo is pretty hard to beat. But whatever you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy it with good food and great company.

So fire up the grill, make a batch of my Japanese Grilled Chicken Wings, pour yourself something delicious, and enjoy!

Food, Fun, and Ease in the Kitchen!