Traditional Brunswick Stew

Name: Traditional Brunswick Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen; 2 cups lima beans, fresh or frozen; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Brunswick Stew is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender meats and vibrant veggies. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, it’s a delicious way to warm up and fill up. This version brings traditional flavors with a simple, straightforward approach.

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Ingredients for Traditional Brunswick Stew

Chicken thighs offer a juicy and flavorful base, cooking down to tender perfection. Pork shoulder adds a rich, hearty bite that complements the chicken. Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics, lending a slight fruity undertone.

Onion and garlic are the aromatic heroes here, building a savory foundation. Chicken broth helps meld the flavors together, while diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and freshness. Corn kernels and lima beans bring sweetness and texture to the stew.

Barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce introduce a smoky, tangy depth. Seasoning with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper allows you to control the heat and flavor profile to your liking.

Tips & Tricks

For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a bit more barbecue sauce or a dash of liquid smoke.
Using fresh corn and lima beans can enhance the flavor, but frozen works perfectly well too.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm biscuit to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad on the side adds a refreshing contrast. For a Southern touch, serve with a dollop of coleslaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other vegetables?: Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, potatoes, or any other seasonal veggies you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this stew in advance?: Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Definitely! Just make sure to cool the stew completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing.

Traditional Brunswick Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, throw in the onions and garlic. Give them a good stir and let them cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Next, add the chicken thighs and pork shoulder to the pot. Brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for locking in flavor and can take about 8-10 minutes. Don't rush it; the extra caramelization is worth it.

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, bring it up to a simmer, and let it gently bubble for around 45 minutes. This will tenderize the meat and infuse the broth with all those wonderful flavors.

With the meats all tender, add the corn kernels, lima beans, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir well, and let it all cook for another 30 minutes to bring everything together.

Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your stew is ready to serve up hot and hearty!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Hearty blend of chicken and pork for rich, satisfying flavor.
Loaded with vegetables for a nutritious, balanced meal.
Simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive for guests.
Adjustable spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

1 lb pork shoulder, cubed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen

2 cups lima beans, fresh or frozen

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.

3. Add chicken thighs and pork shoulder, cook until browned on all sides.

4. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stir to combine.

5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes, until meats are tender.

6. Add corn kernels, lima beans, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.