Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew

Cook: 180 min Cuisine: Southern

Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 (4 lb.) chickens, cut in pieces
  • 3 1/4 cups water
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 4 medium potatoes, 1-inch cubes, cooked
  • 1 package lima beans, frozen
  • 12 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes with liquid

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 hours until tender.
  2. Remove the chicken from the bones and cut into cubes.
  3. Blend the flour and water, then add to the broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
  4. Add lima beans, corn, and tomatoes to the broth.
  5. Add the cooked chicken, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Heat through and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken pieces before boiling them. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the whole chickens. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or green beans to enhance the stew. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the stew longer after adding the flour mixture, stirring frequently.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Brunswick stew with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs wonderfully with sides like Creole Carrots or a simple green salad. For a complete Southern experience, consider offering a dessert like peach cobbler to round out the meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the bowl to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew contains roughly 2659 calories, with 44g protein, 386g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (220% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2085mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

2659 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 44g 88% DV
Total Fat 105.1g 100% DV
Carbs 386.1g 100% DV
Fiber 37.6g 100% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2084.7mg 91% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 160.5mcg 18% DV
Vitamin C 198mg 100% DV
Calcium 164.4mg 13% DV
Iron 10.3mg 57% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 other types of meat in this Brunswick stew?

Absolutely! While traditional Brunswick stew often includes chicken, you can substitute it with pulled pork or beef for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is cooked until tender before adding it to the stew.

How can I make this stew vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a variety of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for added substance.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken for 2-3 hours?

Cooking the chicken for 2-3 hours ensures it's tender and easy to shred. If using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, you can reduce the cooking time and simply heat it through with the other ingredients.

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).

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