Brunswick Stew (Printable View)

A rich, hearty Southern stew with tender meats and vegetables in a tangy tomato base—perfect for cozy gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 It:

01 - Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and pork shoulder cubes. Brown on all sides for approximately 5 minutes. Remove meats and set aside.
02 - Add sausage slices to the same pot. 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 and fragrant, approximately 4 minutes.
04 - Return all meats to the pot. Add 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. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Remove chicken thighs from the pot. Shred meat using two forks and return to the stew.
07 - Continue simmering uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until the stew reaches desired thickness and vegetables are completely tender.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The meat trio creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as it simmers
  • It makes enough for unexpected guests or tomorrow lunch
  • The tangy tomato base balances perfectly with the rich meats
02 -
  • The stew continues thickening as it cools so do not reduce it too much
  • Taste at the very end as saltiness concentrates during cooking
  • Shredding the chicken makes every spoonful satisfying
03 -
  • Use a heavy Dutch oven for even heat distribution
  • Do not skip browning the meats as it creates depth
  • Let the stew rest 10 minutes before serving