Brunswick Stew Recipe

This flavor-packed Southern Brunswick Stew is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Made with tender shredded chicken, smoked pork, and smoked brisket, it’s loaded with lima beans, sweet corn, and rich, savory flavor in every bite. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list everything is easy to find at your local grocery store. Serve this classic Southern stew with hot buttered cornbread for a delicious, down-home dinner the whole family will love.

Easy Brunswick Stew Recipe

What is Brunswick Stew? Brunswick Stew is a thick tomato based stew that’s super popular in the South. It’s typically filled with a variety of meat and vegetables then served piping hot with cornbread. The town of Brunswick Georgia claims to be the original birthplace of this classic stew claiming that the first pot of Brunswick Stew dates back to the late 1800’s. Other states, including my home state of North Carolina, also lay claim to Brunswick Stew.

There are many variations of this classic Southern dish with each one featuring it’s own flavor, thickness and nuances. Regardless, it has certainly earned its spot on the list of beloved Southern favorites and unlike the original that most often included squirrel or rabbit, it’s usually made with a combination of more commonly found meats. Read more about the twisted history of Brunswick Stew here on Southern Living.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make easy Brunswick Stew: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Meats – Pulled pork, chopped smoked brisket and chicken breasts form the protein trio that flavors the stock.
• Barbecue Sauce – North Carolina style vinegar based barbecue sauce, Carolina style mustard barbecue sauce, use your favorite brand.
• Onion and Garlic – Yellow onion and fresh garlic add depth of flavor.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter for sauteeing the onion and garlic.
• Tomatoes – One large can of crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes add texture.
• Liquid – Low sodium chicken stock thins the broth plus worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to amp up the taste.
• Spices – Seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and allspice.
• Vegetables – Frozen baby lima beans and frozen sweet corn kernels, no need to thaw.
• Herbs and Aromatics – Bay leaves and fresh thyme.

How to Make the BEST Southern Brunswick Stew Recipe

• Saute Onion and Garlic – Cook onion and garlic with fennel seeds until softened.
• Add Remaining Ingredients – To the pot add chicken, pulled pork, brisket, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, mustard barbecue sauce, vinegar barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, spices, aromatics and frozen vegetables. Stir to combine.
• Simmer Covered – Bring to a boil then immediately lower the heat to low simmering per the cooking time in the recipe.
• Check for Thickness – Uncover and check thickness, use two forks to shred chicken further. Add additional stock to thin or add tomato paste to thicken.
• Serve – Serve hot with cornbread and hot sauce, garnished with additional thyme.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Brunswick Stew with Chicken

• A large Dutch oven or similar large pot.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A sharp knife and chopping.
• Large spoon for stirring.
• Bowls and a ladle for serving.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Barbecue Sauce – The vinegar based barbecue sauce in this recipe isn’t sweet but the mustard based sauce does have a level of sweetness. These aren’t to be confused with a classic tomato based sauce that’s super sweet and thick and most often used for basting smoked meats. Walmart carries several brands like Scott’s, Duke’s and Carolina Treet for the vinegar based sauce and Carolina Gold for the mustard based sauce.
• Classic Barbecue Sauce – You can use your favorite classic sweet tomato-based barbecue sauce in place of either of the sauces. Should you choose to do so, you may have to adjust the amount.
• Protein – You may opt to use only chicken, only pulled pork or just beef brisket or switch up the meat combination to suit your taste using leftovers. You could also use leftover turkey in place of chicken.
• Frozen Veggies – I use frozen lima beans and corn in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them prior to adding them to the pot. You could also add 1 cup of frozen okra.
• Alternate Vegetables – You could add celery, carrots, green beans or bell peppers.
• Spice – Vinegar based barbecue sauce usually includes crushed red pepper flakes. This may add to the spice overall depending on the brand used.
• Add Potatoes – While potatoes aren’t classic to the original recipe, potatoes are commonly found in Brunswick Stew here in North Carolina. You can add 2 cups of peeled and cubed potatoes to this stew 15-20 minutes before the end of cooking, if desired.
• Serving Options – Brunswick stew is best served with a side of cornbread, crackers, garlic bread or biscuits. Serve hot sauce on the side for those who’d like to add a little more spice to their serving.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Brunswick Stew chilled in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
• Freezer – You can freeze Brunswick Stew for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Soups and Stew Recipes to Make

• Cabbage Soup is delicious and good for you.
• Tender Oven Braised Beef Stew.
• Fully Loaded Smashed Potato Soup is full flavored.
• Skip the bun and enjoy this Cheeseburger Soup instead.
• Restaurant quality French Onion Soup.
• Guinness Beef Stew for your St Patrick’s Day celebration.
• Lentil Soup is filling and inexpensive to make.
• Hamburger Soup is a down home option that won’t break the bank.
• Easy Fish Stew from Simply Recipes.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set