There’s a certain kind of magic that happens in a Southern kitchen, a slow, patient alchemy that turns humble ingredients into something truly legendary. And Brunswick Stew is, without a doubt, one of its most cherished creations.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm, hearty embrace in a bowl. Once you try this delicious version, you might just wonder how you made it this far without it.
A Tale of Two Brunswicks
This classic Southern dish comes with a side of friendly debate, right from the very start. The name itself is a point of pride, with both Brunswick County, Virginia, and the city of Brunswick, Georgia, claiming to be the true birthplace.
Each town has its own story, its own little twist on the recipe, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. It’s a stew that belongs to a region, not just a single kitchen.
Originally, this was a hunter’s stew, made with whatever game was available—think squirrel, rabbit, or other wild game. Today, we’ve settled on more accessible, but just as flavorful, smoked meats.
Why This Recipe Works!
This stew is big and bold on flavor, with a little Tex-Mex Southern flair that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and just savor the moment.
But beyond the taste, it’s brilliantly practical. Have you ever smoked a big pork butt or had leftover roasted chicken with no great plan? Well, here is your plan!
It’s full of wholesome, all-natural ingredients, plenty of protein and vegetables, so you can feel genuinely good about eating it and feeding it to your family.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward a pot of incredible stew. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn
- 1 ½ cups frozen lima beans
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1-2 pinches of cayenne pepper
- 2 ½ cups pulled smoked pork
- 1 ½ cups cooked, diced chicken breast or thighs (smoked or roasted)
The Perfect Partners: What to Serve with Your Stew
This stew is a hearty, satisfying meal all on its own, truly. But if you’re expecting company or just want to make a special occasion out of a weeknight dinner, pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a feast.
I love to serve it with a cool, creamy coleslaw. The crisp, tangy crunch is a fantastic contrast to the rich, smoky stew.
And you absolutely cannot go wrong with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread for dipping. For a touch of sweet perfection, a side of Southern Fried Apples completes the plate beautifully.
How to make Brunswick Stew?
Building the Flavor Base
Start by heating the canola oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or heavy stock pot. You want a pot that holds heat well for even, slow cooking.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s tender and translucent, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. This simple step creates a sweet, savory foundation for the entire stew.
Now, reduce the heat a bit and add the minced garlic, cooking for just one minute while stirring constantly. You’ll smell the amazing aroma—be careful not to let the garlic burn!
Creating the Savory Broth
In a small bowl, stir the tomato paste with 1/4 cup of the chicken broth. This little trick helps the paste blend smoothly into the stew without any lumps.
Now, pour that mixture into the pot. Add the remaining chicken broth, the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, frozen corn, lima beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and that pinch of cayenne.
Bring everything to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This gives all those incredible flavors time to get to know each other.
The Grand Finale: Adding the Meat
After the 15 minutes are up, it’s time for the stars of the show: the smoked pork and cooked chicken. Stir them in gently.
Let the stew simmer for about 5 more minutes, just long enough to heat the meat through. It’s already cooked, so we’re just warming it and letting it soak up the broth.
Finally, taste the stew and season with a little salt and more pepper if you think it needs it. Ladle it into bowls, and for a final flourish, drizzle just a little bit more barbecue sauce over the top.
Tips
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. While I love the combination of both smoked pork and roasted chicken, you can use all of one or the other. The mix, though, really does create a more complex flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different percentages of each meat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try ground beef or pork, or even game meat like the original versions called for.
Don’t be shy about the vegetables, either. Diced potatoes, butter beans, celery, or even okra can be fantastic additions depending on what you have on hand.
Can I Make Brunswick Stew Ahead of Time?
You absolutely can, and some would argue it’s even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator.
Just let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth if it has thickened up too much.
What’s the Best BBQ Sauce to Use?
This is a matter of personal taste, but it really does influence the final dish. I prefer a Kansas City-style barbecue sauce, which is a little thinner, light on sugar, and has a slight kick.
A vinegar-based Carolina sauce will give you a tangier stew, while a sweeter, thicker sauce like a Memphis style will make it richer. Choose your favorite, but maybe avoid anything with an overpowering smoke flavor, since the meat already brings that.
This is your chance to make the stew uniquely yours, so go with a sauce you genuinely love to eat.
How Can I Freeze the Leftovers?
One of the things I absolutely love about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully. It’s like giving your future self a delicious, homemade gift.
Make a big pot, enjoy what you want, and then let the leftovers cool completely. Ladle individual portions into quart-size freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
Lay the bags flat on a baking sheet to freeze—this creates neat, stackable bricks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl. Never heat the plastic bag!
Brunswick Stew Recipe
Description
Hearty, smoky, and packed with flavor, this classic Brunswick Stew is a Southern comfort food staple! Made with a rich tomato base, tender smoked pork, chicken, corn, lima beans, and a touch of barbecue sauce, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a crowd. Bonus: it’s an excellent way to use leftover smoked or roasted meats!
ingredients
Instructions
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Heat canola oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender, about 5–6 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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In a small bowl, mix tomato paste with ¼ cup of the chicken broth until smooth. Stir into the pot.
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Add remaining chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, lima beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Stir in smoked pork and chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
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Taste and season with salt and extra pepper if needed. Serve hot, drizzled with a little extra barbecue sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.5gg24%
- Saturated Fat 4gg20%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 65mgmg22%
- Sodium 820mgmg35%
- Potassium 720mgmg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 35gg12%
- Dietary Fiber 6gg24%
- Sugars 12gg
- Protein 28gg57%
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Meat flexibility: Use all pork, all chicken, or even ground beef or game meats like squirrel or rabbit for a traditional twist.
- Make it ahead: Flavors deepen overnight—great for meal prep!
- Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in portioned bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Serving ideas: Pair with cornbread, coleslaw, or Southern fried apples for a full Southern spread.
- Vegetable swaps: Add potatoes, okra, celery, or butter beans for extra heartiness.
