It is a type of stew consisting of parboiled whole chicken in a cream- or milk-based broth, butter, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and other ingredients.

The origins of chicken mull may rest in the coastal practice of Atlantic fishermen slow-cooking striped bass, called a "fish muddle".

Various other ingredients may be added to the stew according to local tradition, (such as diced potatoes or onions); a more common addition is varying amounts of hot sauce.

[7] Because of its low cost of preparation and reputation as a local comfort food, chicken mull is often served at large social gatherings such as church fellowships, family reunions and community fundraisers.

[5] It is a tradition at these gatherings to prepare the mull in a large cast iron or stainless steel pot, often outdoors over an open fire.