Chicken Mull is a traditional Southern American stew that is both delicious and simple to make. This palatable dish is a symphony of shredded chicken covered in creamy broth thickened with broken crackers.
The remarkably easy-to-make Chicken Mull recipe stew is a reminder of an era when farmers and hunters of the American South gathered around sizzling fireplaces, sharing food and stories in equal measure.
Chicken Mull’s roots trace back to the bustling markets of Athens, Georgia, and the smoky backyards of barbecue shacks dotting the Carolinas, where inventive chefs worked wonders with simple ingredients.
What is Chicken Mull Recipe?
Chicken Mull is not an easily defined dish as it is a mash-up of a hearty stew and a creamy soup, always changing depending on each family’s secret recipe passed down through generations.
Some folks savor it as a warm embrace in a bowl, its warmth and richness reflecting the Southern hospitality it represents. Some find it a fascinating mystery, drawing them in with each mouthful due to its creamy texture and delicate tastes.
Whatever one’s view, one thing is certain: Chicken Mull, with its extensive background and endearing personality, deserves a position on the culinary scene, with its tale told at each table where dishes are heaped with its deliciously comfortable fare.
Chicken Mull Recipe: Simmering Comfort in Every Spoon
Ingredients
For the Broth
- 1 Whole whole chicken cut into about 8 pieces
- 1 Chopped onion
- 2 Chopped carrots
- 2 Chopped celery stalks
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 1 Fresh thyme (optional)
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 8 Whole black peppercorns
- ½ Teaspoon Black pepper
- 8 Cups Water
- Salt to taste
For the creamy embrace
- 1 Sleeve Coarsely crushed soda crackers
- ½ Cup Whole milk or cooking cream (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- ½ Teaspoon Chili pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- To prepare the broth, combine chicken, carrots, onion, thyme peppercorns, thyme, garlic, celery, water, salt, and pepper in a large pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours or until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool. Strain into a large bowl, discarding solids but reserving the meat and any broth.
- Shred the cooled-off meat with your fingers or a fork to discard bones. Make sure that you remove all bones.
- Return the broth to the large pot. Stir in crushed crackers and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring periodically, for 10 to 15 minutes or until the crackers are mushy and the broth has thickened.
- Add the milk and butter and whisk until well combined for a richer texture. As necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
- Finally, put the chicken shreds back into the pot and reheat thoroughly. Serve immediately hot in dishes, with extra crackers available for dipping if preferred.
Notes
Nutrition
Chicken Mull Recipe Variations
- For a smokey flavor, add a couple bacon slices to the pot with the vegetables.
- A dash of cayenne pepper gives the chicken recipe a spicy edge.
- Diced potatoes simmered with the vegetables add a satisfying warmth.
- Apple cider vinegar added in little amounts lifts the flavors.
Beyond the Bowl
Chicken Mull is more than simply food; it’s about getting together with loved ones and laughing till the broth in the pot runs out. It’s about bringing generations together—from grandparents to young children—by sharing tales and hot dishes.
So put a pot on to simmer, let the aromas waft through your kitchen, and relish each spoonful of the taste of home with our simple-to-follow chicken mull recipe.
Thus, give Chicken Mull a go the next time you’re searching for a hearty and delectable supper to enjoy with loved ones. It’s going to become a new favorite in the family.
Additional Chicken Mull Recipe Tips for making the Best Soup
- To achieve the best flavor, use skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breast if you do not have time to roast a chicken
- The chicken should not be overdone. Cooking it long enough to have it fall apart is the goal; do not overcook it.
- For optimal flavor, use a high-quality broth. You can use store-bought broth in its place if you don’t have any homemade. Just make sure the broth you use has little salt content.
- Experiment with several kinds of crackers. Although soda crackers are a traditional option, you can also use pretzels, oyster crackers, or cornbread crumbs.
- Serve Chicken Mull with your preferred toppings and serve. Chopped herbs, shredded cheese, and more crackers are a few common toppings.
Chicken Mull FAQs
- What can I serve with Chicken Mull?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread work well for mopping up the tasty broth. Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad make a lovely side dish.
- What kind of chicken is best for Chicken Mull?
Stewing hens and fryers both work beautifully. Hens add deeper, gamier richness, and fryers offer a sweeter note. Pick what your taste buds are begging you to try!
- Could I use broth rather than water?
Of course! Although store-bought, low-sodium broth can still be used, homemade broth has a richer flavor. Remember to adjust the salt accordingly.
- Can I make Chicken Mull ahead of time?
Indeed! In fact, when the flavors meld, it gets even better. Just make it, let it cool, and then reheat it to serve.
- What to do with leftovers?
Shred any leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches, salads, or even chicken pot pie. The broth makes a killer base for soups or sauces.