Introduction
Brunswick Stew is a deeply comforting, slow-simmered dish that has been a staple of Southern cooking for generations. Known for its thick texture and rich, savoury flavour, this stew combines tender meat, vegetables, and tomatoes into a warming one-pot meal that feels both rustic and satisfying. Traditionally made to feed a crowd, Brunswick Stew is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you want something hearty that improves with time. I often make this stew when I want a meal that fills the kitchen with warmth and aroma while requiring very little attention once it starts simmering. The flavours meld beautifully as it cooks, creating a thick, spoonable stew that tastes even better the next day. Simple, filling, and timeless, Brunswick Stew is true comfort food at its best.
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Brunswick Stew: A Hearty Southern Classic Packed with Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Brunswick Stew is a hearty Southern stew made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth, slow-simmered for deep, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g canned diced tomatoes
- 240 ml tomato sauce
- 480 ml chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen lima beans
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (halal-certified)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
- Add potatoes, corn, and lima beans.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add shredded chicken, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Stew thickens as it simmers.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is rich, filling, and ideal for make-ahead meals. It uses simple ingredients, feeds a crowd, and reheats beautifully. The stew is thick and hearty, making it perfect for cooler days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken
Chicken provides tender, juicy protein and forms one of the classic bases of Brunswick stew.
Pork
Pork adds richness and depth, giving the stew its hearty, traditional character.
Onion
Onion builds a savoury foundation and adds gentle sweetness as it cooks.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the overall flavour and adds warmth to the stew.
Potatoes
Potatoes help thicken the stew naturally and add substance.
Corn
Corn adds sweetness and texture, balancing the savoury elements.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes provide acidity and body, tying all the flavours together.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce deepens the tomato flavour and helps create a thick base.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds moisture and enhances the savoury profile.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce adds subtle sweetness and smoky depth, a signature element of Brunswick stew.
Salt
Salt balances and enhances all the flavours.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat.
Paprika
Paprika contributes warmth and colour.
Butter
Butter adds richness and a smooth finish to the stew.
Directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add chicken and pork, stirring to coat with the aromatics.
Add potatoes, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and barbecue sauce. Stir well to combine.
Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the stew thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately six to eight people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is 60–75 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Brunswick stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes very well for up to three months.
Variations and Customizations
Brunswick Stew is highly adaptable. You can use only chicken or only pork depending on preference. I have also prepared this stew using leftover roasted meats, which added excellent depth and saved time.
For extra heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added. Lima beans are a traditional addition and can be included for extra texture. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. These adjustments allow flexibility while preserving the stew’s hearty, comforting nature.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This stew provides protein from meat, carbohydrates from vegetables, and fats from butter and pork. Using lean meats and moderating barbecue sauce can reduce fat and sugar content. It is a balanced, filling meal best enjoyed in generous bowls.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Low and Slow Cooking
Gentle simmering allows flavours to develop fully.
Stir Occasionally
This prevents sticking and helps the stew thicken evenly.
Taste at the End
Seasoning may need adjustment after long simmering.
FAQs
What meats are traditional in Brunswick stew?
Chicken and pork are most common.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Is Brunswick stew supposed to be thick?
Yes, it should be hearty and spoon-thick.
Can I freeze Brunswick stew?
Yes, it freezes very well.
Do I need barbecue sauce?
It is traditional, but can be adjusted to taste.
Can I add beans?
Yes, lima beans are a classic addition.
Is this stew spicy?
No, but heat can be added easily.
What should I serve with Brunswick stew?
Cornbread or crusty bread pairs well.
Can I use canned vegetables?
Yes, they work well and save time.
How do I thicken the stew more?
Simmer longer or mash some potatoes in the pot.
Conclusion
Brunswick Stew is a timeless Southern classic that delivers warmth, richness, and deep comfort in every bowl. With its hearty texture, bold savoury flavour, and make-ahead convenience, it is perfect for family meals, gatherings, or quiet evenings at home. Simple to prepare and deeply satisfying, this stew is a recipe worth returning to again and again.
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