Chicken mull facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Chicken stew, Chicken mulligan |
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| Type | Stew |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia |
| Main ingredients | Chicken, broth, (cream or milk), butter |
Chicken mull is a yummy, warm stew that's a favorite in parts of the United States, especially in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. It's made with chicken and a creamy sauce, often served when the weather gets cold. People sometimes call the time of year when chicken mull is popular "mull season"!
When people say "chicken mull" or "chicken stew," they might not just mean the food. They often mean a fun get-together where this special dish is served to a lot of people.
Contents
How to Make Chicken Mull
Making chicken mull is a bit like a science experiment, but a tasty one! Here's how it usually goes:
Cooking the Chicken
First, a whole chicken is cooked in water until it's very tender. This creates a rich, flavorful liquid called broth. Once the chicken is cooked, it's taken out of the pot. The meat is carefully pulled off the bones, and any skin or extra fat is removed. Sometimes, people use boneless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken to make it easier.
Making it Creamy
Next, the broth gets a special touch. People add milk or cream to make it thick and creamy. Sometimes, they even crumble saltine crackers right into the broth. This helps to make the stew even thicker and gives it a unique texture.
Adding Flavor
The chicken meat is often ground up into small pieces, or sometimes it's just cut very small. Then, it's added back into the creamy broth. To make it taste amazing, people add salt, pepper, and lots of butter or margarine. Some folks like to add other things too, like diced potatoes or onions. A popular addition is a little bit of hot sauce to give it a kick!
What it Looks Like
Chicken mull can look a bit different depending on who makes it. It might be white or a pale yellow, depending on how much butter is used. It can also be thin like a soup or really thick and creamy. No matter how it looks, it's usually served with saltine crackers on the side, or crumbled right into your bowl.
You can also find similar stews made with other ingredients like catfish, oysters, or canned salmon instead of chicken.
Chicken Mull Gatherings
Chicken mull is more than just a meal; it's a tradition!
Why it's Popular
This stew is often served at big events because it's not too expensive to make and it's known as a "comfort food." That means it makes people feel warm and happy, especially when it's cold outside. You'll often find chicken mull at:
- Church events
- Family reunions
- Community fundraisers
Cooking for a Crowd
At these big gatherings, chicken mull is usually made in huge cast iron or stainless steel pots. Sometimes, they even cook it outdoors over an open fire! It's a fun way to bring everyone together.
What to Eat With It
When you get a bowl of chicken mull, it's often served with other yummy sides like coleslaw, rice, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.
In North Carolina and Georgia, these "chicken mulls" or "chicken stews" are popular social events. They usually happen during the colder months, from September through December, making them a perfect way to celebrate the fall and winter seasons.
