Brunswick Stew Southern Style (Printable)
Hearty Southern stew with chicken, pork, and vegetables in a tangy tomato base
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
03 - 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
→ Vegetables
04 - 2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
05 - 2 cups frozen or fresh lima beans
06 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
07 - 1 large onion, chopped
08 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
09 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
11 - 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
→ Liquids & Seasonings
12 - 4 cups chicken broth
13 - 1/4 cup ketchup
14 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
15 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
16 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
17 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
18 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
19 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
20 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
21 - Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Garnish
22 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - Heat a splash of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and pork shoulder; brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add sausage slices and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside with the other meats.
03 - Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
04 - Return all meats to the pot. Stir in potatoes, corn, lima beans, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove chicken thighs, shred with two forks, and return to the stew.
07 - Continue to simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the stew thickens and the vegetables are tender.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The slow simmered flavors get better overnight, making it the ultimate make ahead meal
- It feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, perfect for those unexpected gatherings
- That tangy sweet tomato base just hits different on a rainy Sunday
02 -
- The stew will seem too thin when you first combine everything, but those lima beans and potatoes will work their thickening magic during the simmer
- Letting it rest for at least 15 minutes off the heat before serving allows the flavors to settle and the consistency to develop
03 -
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot for even heat distribution and better temperature control
- Do not rush the browning step, those caramelized bits are the foundation of flavor