Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.