Brunswick Stew
A hearty Southern classic loaded with smoky pulled pork, shredded chicken, and tender lima beans in a tangy-sweet tomato broth. This one-pot stew has deep roots in Virginia and Georgia, where whole-hog cooking meets fresh summer vegetables for a soul-warming bowl that tastes like a backyard barbecue.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Season and sear the meats.
1.Season the pork shoulder and chicken thighs generously with the pinch of salt, pinch of black pepper, and pinch of smoked paprika.2.Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.3.Sear the pork shoulder until browned on all sides (5-7 min). Remove and set aside.4.Sear the chicken thighs until golden (3-4 min per side). Remove and set aside.TIPDon't crowd the pot — sear in batches if needed for a deep brown crust. - simmer · ~70 min
Simmer the pork until tender.
1.Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot.2.Add 500 ml water to cover the pork halfway.3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until fork-tender (60-75 min).4.Remove the pork, reserving the cooking liquid. Shred the meat with two forks. - simmer · ~30 min
Simmer the chicken in the same pot.
1.Add the seared chicken thighs to the pot with 250 ml fresh water.2.Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook covered until the chicken is cooked through (25-30 min).3.Remove the chicken and shred the meat with two forks. Discard bones.4.Strain and reserve all the cooking liquid from the pot. - saute · ~10 min
Build the aromatic base.
1.Wipe the pot clean and heat it over medium heat.2.Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (4-5 min).3.Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 sec).4.Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens (5-7 min).TIPScrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot — that's where the deep flavor lives. - simmer · ~20 min
Combine and simmer the stew.
1.Pour the reserved cooking liquid back into the pot with the tomato base.2.Add the diced potato, lima beans, and corn kernels.3.Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, pinch of red chili powder, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp white vinegar.4.Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered until potatoes are tender (15-20 min).TIPThe stew should be thick but still brothy — add a splash of water if it gets too dry. - simmer · ~10 min
Add shredded meats and finish.
1.Fold the shredded pork and chicken into the pot.2.Simmer everything together for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.3.Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or vinegar if needed.TIPLet it rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving — the flavors deepen as it cools slightly. - serve
Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Serve the Brunswick stew in generous bowls with saltine crackers, cornbread, or a slice of crusty bread on the side for dunking.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra smokiness, replace the pinch of smoked paprika in the seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke.
- 2If using frozen lima beans and corn, add them straight from the freezer — no need to thaw first.
- 3Shred the pork and chicken while they're still warm for easier handling and better texture.
- 4Simmer the stew uncovered to help it thicken naturally; stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5A splash of apple cider vinegar can be substituted for white vinegar for a fruitier tang.
- 6Make this a day ahead — Brunswick stew tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoked meat swap
Replace the smoked paprika with 100g of chopped smoked brisket or pulled pork from your local BBQ joint for authentic, backyard-smoked flavor.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the pork and chicken; use 300g of extra-firm tofu or jackfruit, and double the lima beans and corn. Use vegetable broth and add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for umami.
lower carbLower-carb
Swap the potato for 200g of diced turnip or cauliflower to cut carbs while keeping a hearty stew texture.
spicySpicy
Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions, and increase the cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon for a pronounced kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Both pork shoulder and chicken thigh provide high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety, especially when trimmed of excess fat.
Rich in Fiber
Lima beans and corn contribute soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer.
Source of Lycopene
Fresh tomatoes and tomato paste supply lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, especially when cooked.
Good Source of Potassium
Potatoes and tomatoes are naturally rich in potassium, an essential mineral for regulating blood pressure and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, substitute the 400g of fresh diced tomatoes with one 14-ounce (400g) can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Drain slightly if you want a thicker stew.
