Mom'S Brunswick Stew
Mom's Brunswick Stew is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, limas, corn, and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic and cayenne for a flavorful kick. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, this stew offers a rich blend of Southern flavors that satisfy and warm the soul.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the whole chicken until very tender, then remove from the bone and shred or cut into pieces.
- Cook the limas until tender with diced onion.
- Add the cooked chicken, limas (with onion), corn, crushed tomatoes, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the reserved broth from boiling the chicken.
- Add more chicken broth if needed to cover the ingredients.
- Simmer the stew on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Thicken the stew if desired, then serve hot with corn bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or diced smoked sausage. You can substitute fordhook limas with frozen butter beans if necessary. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially with garlic and cayenne, to create your perfect blend of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Brunswick stew hot alongside freshly baked cornbread for a classic pairing. It also complements a simple green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a delightful twist, consider serving it with the Elegant Chicken Crepes for a more elaborate meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the stew has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Brunswick Stew contains roughly 262 calories, with 10g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (235% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 66g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works great in this Brunswick stew. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot, reducing the cooking time since you're primarily heating through the ingredients.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! After boiling the chicken, place all ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until everything is heated through and flavors meld beautifully.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your Brunswick stew turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in additional chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors after adjusting the liquid.
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).