Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with tender meats, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. This Southern classic is a thick and hearty stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner. The combination of smoky, savory flavors and tender textures makes this stew a true comfort food staple.

What is Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick Stew is a traditional Southern dish that’s believed to have originated in either Virginia or Georgia. It’s made with a mix of meats—typically chicken and pork—along with tomatoes, corn, lima beans, and a flavorful broth. The stew is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. This Pioneer Woman version keeps things simple while packing in lots of flavors.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: This stew is packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Great for a Crowd: The recipe yields a large batch, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this stew is easy to prepare.

Versatile: You can customize the stew by adding your favorite meats or vegetables.
Classic Southern Flavor: This dish is full of traditional Southern flavors that are comforting and delicious.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty dish:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 pound turkey pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite variety)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 1/2 cups frozen lima beans

1 1/2 cups diced potatoes (optional)
Salt to taste
Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is used to brown the meat and cook the stew.
Tongs or Spatula: To turn the meat.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.
Ladle: For serving the stew.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew

Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and chicken thighs, browning the meat on all sides. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, then remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
Add the Liquid and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the Meat to the Pot: Add the browned chicken and pork back into the pot, along with any juices. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded.

Shred the Meat: After the meat is tender, remove the chicken thighs and pork from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return it to the pot.
Add the Vegetables: Stir in the frozen corn, lima beans, and diced potatoes (if using). Continue cooking the stew for another 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.
Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and hot sauce as desired. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew

This hearty stew pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread adds a slightly sweet, crumbly texture to the meal.
Biscuits: Serve with fluffy biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth.

Green Salad: A fresh green salad adds a light contrast to the richness of the stew.
Pickles: A side of pickles provides a tangy, refreshing bite alongside the hearty stew.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the stew, crusty bread adds texture and flavor.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew

Follow these tips to ensure your Brunswick Stew turns out perfectly:

Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer on low for at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours to ensure the meat is tender and the flavors meld together.
Adjust the Heat: If you like spicy stew, add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

Use a Variety of Meats: For extra flavor, try using a combination of chicken, pork, and even beef if you prefer.
Thicken the Stew: If you want a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas based on your preference.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by trying different variations:

Smoky Brunswick Stew: Add chopped smoked sausage or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
Beef Brunswick Stew: Replace the chicken and pork with cubed beef chuck for a hearty beef version.

Vegetarian Brunswick Stew: Skip the meat and add more beans and vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Brunswick Stew: Add extra cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for more heat.
Sweet Brunswick Stew: Add a splash of apple cider or a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Storing Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate Properly: Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for Later: Brunswick Stew freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew: Best Practices

To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully:

Stovetop Method: Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Microwave Method: Microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

What meats are traditionally used in Brunswick Stew?

Traditionally, Brunswick Stew is made with a combination of chicken and pork, though some recipes also include beef or even game meats like rabbit or squirrel. Chicken thighs and pork shoulder are popular choices due to their tender texture when slow-cooked.

Can I make Brunswick Stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Brunswick Stew in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meats and sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded.

How do I thicken Brunswick Stew?

To thicken Brunswick Stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or vegetables with a fork to release their starches. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

How long does Brunswick Stew last in the fridge?

Brunswick Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well, and the flavors often improve after sitting overnight.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. With tender meat, smoky barbecue sauce, and a mix of vegetables, this stew offers a satisfying meal that’s full of Southern charm.

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