Name: Brunswick Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 1/2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 1/2 cups lima beans or butter beans; 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brunswick stew is the ultimate comfort food—warm, thick, and full of savory depth. It’s a great way to use up leftover meats and comes together with common pantry staples. Whether you serve it as a main dish with cornbread or as a side to your barbecue spread, it’s a versatile and flavorful dish that only gets better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shredded cooked chicken
Onion
Garlic
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Barbecue sauce
Chicken broth
Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Lima beans or butter beans
Potatoes, diced
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce (optional)
Brown sugar
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer.
Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Stir in the corn, lima beans, shredded chicken.
Reduce heat and let the stew simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the stew thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or crackers.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Meat substitutions: Use smoked turkey, brisket, or ground beef depending on what you have on hand.
Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add extra beans or chopped mushrooms for a hearty meat-free stew.
Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or more hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Thicker stew: Let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans and potatoes to naturally thicken the broth.
Slow cooker method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Brunswick stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions until heated through.
To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What’s the origin of Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is believed to have originated in either Brunswick County, Virginia or Brunswick, Georgia—both claim the recipe as their own. It started as a hunter’s stew and evolved into the hearty version we know today.

Can I make Brunswick stew ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and develop in the fridge.

Is Brunswick stew supposed to be thick?

Yes, it’s meant to be thick and hearty, almost like a cross between stew and chili. You can adjust the consistency by simmering longer or adding a thickener if needed.

Can I use canned vegetables?

Absolutely. Canned corn, lima beans, and tomatoes work great and make preparation quicker.

What meat is traditionally used?

Originally, game meat like squirrel or rabbit was used. Today, and chicken are the most common, and shredded chicken.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Just sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

What can I serve with Brunswick stew?

Cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or even a side of coleslaw go great with this dish.

Is Brunswick stew spicy?

It can be, but that depends on the barbecue sauce and whether you add hot sauce. It’s easy to control the heat level.

How do I thicken my Brunswick stew?

Simmer it uncovered longer, mash some of the potatoes and beans, or stir in a cornstarch slurry if you want a quicker fix.

Can I freeze Brunswick stew?

Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Brunswick stew is a flavorful and filling Southern dish that’s both nostalgic and practical. With its rich tomato base, tender meats, and medley of vegetables, it’s a meal in a bowl that brings comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.