Easy Brunswick Stew Recipe

Friends, it’s time for an oldie but goodie! Brunswick Stew is a hearty stew made with tender roasted meat, lots of vegetables, and barbecue sauce. It’s one of the quickest and easiest stews to put together. Not only can you clean out your freezer and use up some of those frozen veggies, but it’s also perfect for using up leftover BBQ pulled pork or chicken. Another easy one-pot meal for the win!

Overhead view of a bowl of homemade Brunswick stew.

Brunswick Stew is a Southern classic with origins that are still debated to this day. Some say it originated in Brunswick County, Virginia, while others claim Brunswick, Georgia, as its home. Wherever it started, one thing’s for sure: it’s a seriously delicious stew I can make with simple ingredients (which is always a winner in my house!), and it tastes even better the next day. I use BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, and various veggies and seasonings to create this seriously comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal. My family ALWAYS asks for seconds when I make this easy recipe!

People often use pork and chicken in this recipe, but to make this more budget-friendly, I opted to use just shredded chicken. This recipe is perfect for using leftover chicken from a previous meal or a rotisserie chicken you got on sale at the store. But you can definitely add leftover pulled pork if you have some in your fridge! This is one of my favorite recipes to use up what I’ve got (and save a little money in the kitchen in the process!)

Brunswick Stew Recipe

This easy Brunswick Stew recipe is made with simple ingredients and packed with delicious flavor. A classic that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
2 (14.5 oz.) cans of diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup frozen lima beans
1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
½ cup BBQ sauce
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cups chicken broth

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the tomato paste and spices (salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper). Allow the mixture to cook for about 30-45 seconds.
Add the diced tomatoes, frozen corn, frozen lima beans, potatoes, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together.
Add in the shredded chicken and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, if the potatoes are not fork tender, continue to simmer for 2-3 more minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional) and serve with cornbread or crusty bread. Enjoy!

Variations to Try!

Use a different meat: You could also add (or swap) pulled pork, shredded beef brisket, or even leftover shredded turkey breast.
Switch up the vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as okra, green beans, celery, or carrots.
Spice it up: Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Add more BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Make it meat-free: You can make this stew entirely vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding more vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

I usually keep things simple and serve this stew with cornbread or crusty bread on the side. Homemade biscuits would also be nice, as would a side of creamy coleslaw to pile on top of whatever bread you choose.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers store well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it seems a little thick when reheating, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water. This homemade Brunswick stew also freezes well for up to 2-3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats in this stew?: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with pulled pork, beef brisket, or even shrimp.
How long does Brunswick Stew last in the fridge?: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in airtight containers.
Can I freeze Brunswick Stew?: Yes, it freezes well for 2-3 months. Just be aware that the vegetables may become softer after thawing.
What can I serve with Brunswick Stew?: It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread and can also be garnished with fresh parsley.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?: Yes, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead, and consider adding more veggies for texture and flavor.

Brunswick Stew

Easy Brunswick Stew Recipe