Authentic Brunswick Stew is a rich, smoky Southern classic packed with tender shredded chicken and pork, sweet corn, hearty vegetables, and a thick tomato-based broth. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The combination of flavors creates a satisfying experience that warms the heart and soul. Let’s dive into this traditional recipe that has stood the test of time.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Brunswick Stew
This Authentic Brunswick Stew is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:
- Rich, smoky flavor that embodies Southern cooking.
- Loaded with wholesome ingredients, making it a hearty meal.
- Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
- Can easily be customized with your choice of meats and veggies.
- A great option for feeding a crowd or a cozy family dinner.
- Easy to make using simple, homemade Brunswick Stew ingredients.
This dish is a true traditional Brunswick stew that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. Plus, it’s a slow-cooked Brunswick Stew recipe, adding to the depth of flavor.
Ingredients for Authentic Brunswick Stew
Gather these items:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked shredded pork
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 cup lima beans
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
How to Make Authentic Brunswick Stew Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper and cook briefly to bloom spices.
- Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add potatoes and lima beans and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in shredded chicken, shredded pork, and corn and cook uncovered until thick and hearty.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaf, stir in brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, and adjust seasoning.
- Step 7: Let stew rest briefly before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Authentic Brunswick Stew
Keep these in mind:
- Use leftover meats for an even easier preparation.
- Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on your preference.
- This stew tastes better the longer it sits, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Consider using smoked meats for a deeper flavor profile.
Best Ways to Serve Authentic Brunswick Stew
Here are a few ideas to elevate your stew experience:
- Serve with cornbread for a traditional Southern touch.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Top with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Authentic Brunswick Stew
This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. It’s perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Authentic Brunswick Stew
What’s the secret to perfect Authentic Brunswick Stew?
The key to perfect Authentic Brunswick Stew lies in the slow-cooking process. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish that everyone will love.
Can I make Authentic Brunswick Stew ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in an even tastier meal. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Authentic Brunswick Stew?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you cook the vegetables until they are tender before adding the meat. This ensures a perfect texture throughout the stew. Also, keep an eye on the seasoning as you go.
Variations of Authentic Brunswick Stew You Can Try
There are many delightful variations of Authentic Brunswick Stew. Here are a few to consider:
- Vegetarian Brunswick Stew: Replace meat with hearty vegetables and beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Brunswick Stew with chicken and pork: This classic combination remains a favorite for its rich flavors.
- Old-fashioned Brunswick Stew: Stick to the traditional ingredients for a nostalgic taste.
Whether you’re making a genuine Brunswick Stew or putting your twist on it, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Delicious Authentic Brunswick Stew Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Authentic Brunswick Stew is a rich, smoky Southern classic packed with tender shredded chicken and pork, sweet corn, hearty vegetables, and a thick tomato-based broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked shredded pork
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 cup lima beans
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened.
- Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper and cook briefly to bloom spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add potatoes and lima beans and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in shredded chicken, shredded pork, and corn and cook uncovered until thick and hearty.
- Remove bay leaf, stir in brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, and adjust seasoning.
- Let stew rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow-cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Brunswick Stew, Southern Stew, Comfort Food