Don't Believe This Myth About Bourbon Chicken

Chicken is one of those meat options that can be incredibly versatile and work with many different dishes. Whether you prefer a plate of succulent chicken kebabs or can't stop yourself from digging into a comforting bowl of chicken soup, we're sure you have your favorites when it comes to feasting on freshly cooked chicken.

One of the most enticing options is a simple dish called bourbon chicken. According to the Recipe Critic, the dish got its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Unsurprisingly, the dish calls for bourbon to be added to the chicken, and if you're not whipping it up on your own, you're most likely to come across this meal in Chinese and Cajun-themed eateries.

Thankfully, it's relatively easy to make this dish from the comfort of your own home. All you need is soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and bourbon whiskey that you'll end up using to prepare your sauce. But like with many dishes that incorporate liquor, beer, or wine, there comes a common misconception that you can't actually get drunk from eating them. But is that true?

Believe it or not, you can get drunk, or at least tipsy, off bourbon chicken. While some people believe the alcohol "burns off" or evaporates, that's not really the case. According to eHow, it's possible to get drunk off dishes like bourbon chicken. While it's undeniable that these dishes can taste rather nice on account of the rare flavors you get to taste after adding alcohol to your meat, it's crucial to be responsible and not go overboard. Turns out, if you don't cook your dish for too long, it's likely to retain a good amount of alcohol which will be enough to make you kind of tipsy or even drunk. No joke.

As illustrated by a Business Insider article, there are certain dishes (like stews, desserts, and flambés) that can raise your blood alcohol level. Of course, as long as you're consuming everything in moderation, there isn't anything to worry about and you shouldn't really feel the effects. You could also substitute with a non alcoholic beverage or cook a dish for around two and a half hours (yes, time consuming!) to make sure that most of the alcohol has been removed.