Name: Brunswick Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 3 cups crushed tomatoes; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 ½ cups lima beans (frozen or canned); 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: hot sauce, to taste

When you need a soul-warming dish packed with Southern charm and garden-fresh flavor, Brunswick Stew is the answer. This tomato-based stew, rich with pulled meats and hearty vegetables, brings together smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes in every comforting spoonful.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking up a cozy weeknight meal, this stew’s satisfying blend of shredded chicken, corn, and tender lima beans is pure down-home goodness. A touch of barbecue sauce gives it a tangy depth that sets it apart from your average soup.

Why You’ll Love This Brunswick Stew

Brunswick Stew is a flavorful, filling dish that doubles as both comfort food and a nutritious meal. It’s easy to prepare and even better the next day, making it perfect for batch cooking and leftovers. The blend of vegetables, meat, and spices ensures every bite is hearty and balanced, with a flavor profile that appeals to all ages.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Traditional Brunswick Stew can include a mix of meats, but shredded chicken is the easiest and most versatile choice. You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or simmer boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for a richer homemade flavor. Smoked chicken adds a layer of depth that enhances the stew’s classic Southern roots.

Ingredients for the Brunswick Stew

Each ingredient in this stew contributes to its deep, layered flavor and satisfying texture:

Shredded Chicken: The heart of the dish, it soaks up the tomato and barbecue flavors beautifully.
Onion: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Boosts the savory notes and enhances the overall richness.
Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a tangy base and hearty texture.
Barbecue Sauce: Adds a sweet-smoky tang that makes the stew uniquely Southern.
Chicken Broth: Creates the perfect savory base for simmering.
Corn Kernels: Adds pops of sweetness and color.
Lima Beans: A traditional component that gives substance and creaminess.
Diced Potatoes: Makes the stew extra filling.
Butter: For richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Hot Sauce (optional): For a kick of heat, if you like it spicy.

How To Make the Brunswick Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2: Build the Base

Pour in crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Chicken

Add shredded chicken, corn, lima beans, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer on low for 30–45 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Adjust the Flavor

Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

How to Serve and Store Brunswick Stew

Brunswick Stew is a complete meal in a bowl and perfect for serving at potlucks, family dinners, or game nights. It feeds 6 to 8 people generously and reheats beautifully.

To store, let it cool completely and transfer to airtight containers. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

What to Serve With Brunswick Stew?

Skillet Cornbread

The ideal Southern pairing, with just the right amount of crumb and crust to soak up the stew.

Buttery Biscuits

Soft, fluffy biscuits add a rich, satisfying bite alongside every spoonful.

Garden Salad

Balance the warmth with a crisp salad of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette.

Coleslaw

The tang and crunch of coleslaw bring contrast and freshness.

Pickled Vegetables

Adds bright acidity to balance the rich flavors of the stew.

Sweet Tea

A classic Southern drink that completes the comfort-food feel.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Naturally sweet and tender, they echo the corn and BBQ notes in the stew.

Want More Soup and Stew Ideas?

If you’re loving the rich and rustic flavors of Brunswick Stew, you’ll definitely want to explore these other comforting creations:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with smoked chicken or add your own twist? I’m always excited to see how you all make these recipes your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting soups and stews on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next favorite dinner idea!

Brunswick Stew

Author: Nora
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

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Description

Looking for a soul-satisfying, easy dinner that brings Southern flavor straight to your table? This Brunswick Stew is just what you need. With shredded chicken, sweet corn, hearty lima beans, and a smoky tomato-barbecue base, it’s comfort food at its finest. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings, and it makes amazing leftovers too. Add this to your rotation of quick dinners, easy soup recipes, Southern comfort food ideas, or meal prep staples. It’s filling, flavorful, and made in one pot—what more could you ask for?