Modern Brunswick Stew
A hearty, flavorful Brunswick Stew featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 lb. roasting chicken ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 cans (14 oz.) chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar (optional) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. bag frozen whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 10 oz. package lima beans ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen cut okra ⓘ
Instructions
- Skin and cut up the chicken into serving pieces.
- In a Dutch oven, combine chicken, water, chicken broth, chopped celery, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the pot.
- Add frozen corn, lima beans, and chopped okra to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pot and let simmer a few minutes longer.
- Serve hot with corn muffins or biscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken pieces in the Dutch oven before adding the other ingredients. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if you have them on hand; just use three times the amount. If you like a bit of sweetness, the optional sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This stew can also be made with leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Brunswick stew hot, accompanied by cornbread or homemade biscuits for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with Oven Baked Chicken Paprikash for a complete chicken-themed dinner. A simple green salad can add freshness to the meal, balancing the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Brunswick stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Modern Brunswick Stew contains roughly 749 calories, with 27g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1702mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the chicken, add all ingredients except the corn, lima beans, and okra to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What can I use instead of lima beans?
If you don't have lima beans, you can substitute them with other types of beans such as cannellini or even chickpeas for a different texture. Alternatively, you can simply omit them if desired without significantly impacting the dish.
Can I freeze Brunswick stew?
Absolutely! Brunswick stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).