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Comforting Southern Loaded Brunswick Stew

Southern Loaded Brunswick Stew - featured image
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A warm, hearty Southern stew combining smoky BBQ chicken, sweet corn, and tangy tomatoes for a comforting and easy-to-make classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if available)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
  • 1 cup lima beans or butter beans (canned and drained)
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or cayenne powder (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Poach 2 large chicken breasts in simmering water for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool slightly, then shred. Mix shredded chicken with 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce and set aside. Alternatively, use shredded rotisserie chicken.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in diced potatoes (if using), corn, lima beans, and bell peppers. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon smoked paprika over the veggies and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes to soften vegetables.
  4. Build the Stew Base: Pour in canned diced tomatoes with juices and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir well, scraping browned bits from the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Add BBQ Chicken: Stir BBQ-coated shredded chicken into the stew. Simmer another 5-10 minutes to warm through and blend flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
  6. Final Touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top. Optionally drizzle extra BBQ sauce on serving bowls.
  7. Serve: Ladle stew into warm bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or cornbread.

Notes

Tossing shredded chicken with BBQ sauce before adding to stew enhances flavor. Use smoked paprika for authentic Southern warmth. Keep heat moderate during simmering to avoid mushy beans. Let stew rest off heat before serving to thicken and settle flavors. Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brunswick stew, Southern stew, BBQ chicken stew, comfort food, easy stew recipe, loaded stew, potluck dish

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/comforting-southern-loaded-brunswick-stew-recipe-easy-bbq-classic/