Brunswick stew is a classic Southern dish that warms the soul and brings people together. This recipe is packed with flavorful ingredients like tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty lima beans, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family asking for seconds, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare.
The beauty of this stew lies in its versatility. You can customize it to include your favorite vegetables or meats, turning it into a delightful reflection of your culinary creativity. The rich, smoky flavor comes from slow cooking, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both rich and satisfying.
Classic Southern Brunswick Stew

This Brunswick stew is a thick and hearty mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices, simmered to perfection. The flavors are robust with a smoky undertone, making each spoonful a comforting experience that captures the essence of Southern cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup lima beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pot, searing until they are lightly browned on both sides.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, corn, lima beans, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy it hot, with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
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