Savory Southern Brunswick Stew
Experience the rich heritage of Southern comfort food with this Savory Southern Brunswick Stew, inspired by the early Virginia settlers. Originally crafted with squirrel meat, this modern rendition combines tender chicken and flavorful ham, simmered to perfection in your trusty crock pot. Packed with wholesome vegetables like okra, lima beans, and corn, this dish is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. Let the spices meld together as it cooks throughout the day, filling your home with delightful aromas and bringing the family together at mealtime. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this stew is a true celebration of Southern culinary tradition.
6
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
3 medium (Cut into thin wedges)
Chicken pieces
2 lbs (Skin removed)
Diced cooked ham
1 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) (Diced)
Diced tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) (Undrained)
Chicken broth
1 can (14 ounces) (N/A)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon (Bottled)
Frozen sliced okra
1 package (10 ounces, about 2 cups) (Frozen)
Frozen baby lima beans
1 cup (Frozen)
Frozen whole kernel corn
1 cup (Frozen)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the onion wedges in the bottom of a 3 1/2 to 4-quart crock pot to create a flavorful base.
2
Layer the chicken pieces and diced cooked ham on top of the onions.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, crushed thyme, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce until well combined.
4
Pour the prepared mixture over the layered chicken and ham in the crock pot, ensuring everything is covered.
5
Cover the crock pot and select the low-heat setting, allowing it to cook for 8 to 10 hours, or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours, giving time for the flavors to infuse.
6
Optional: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Keep the lid on to maintain heat.
7
Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the chicken bones and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones.
8
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Add the frozen okra, baby lima beans, and whole kernel corn.
9
If you were using the low-heat setting, switch to high-heat and cover the pot. Allow to cook for an additional 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
10
Once done, give the stew a gentle stir before serving. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Brunswick stew surrounded by friends and family!
Nutrition Information
24g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Savory Southern Brunswick Stew?
Brunswick Stew is a traditional Southern comfort food inspired by the early Virginia settlers.
What meat was originally used in Brunswick Stew?
Historically, this stew was crafted using squirrel meat, though modern versions use chicken and ham.
What size crock pot is needed for this recipe?
You will need a 3 1/2 to 4-quart crock pot for this Brunswick stew recipe.
What proteins are included in this modern rendition?
This version combines 2 pounds of chicken pieces with skin removed and 1 1/2 cups of diced cooked ham.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How long does the stew cook on the low-heat setting?
On the low-heat setting, the stew should cook for 8 to 10 hours.
How long does the stew cook on the high-heat setting?
On the high-heat setting, the initial cooking phase takes 4 to 5 hours.
When do I add the frozen vegetables?
Frozen okra, baby lima beans, and corn are added after the chicken has been cooked, shredded, and returned to the pot.
How much additional time is needed after adding the vegetables?
Once the vegetables are added, the stew should cook for an additional 45 minutes on high heat until tender.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
One serving provides 15 grams of protein.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained to add flavor and moisture to the base.
What spices are used to season the stew?
The stew is seasoned with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, crushed dried thyme, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 medium onions cut into thin wedges.
How do I prepare the chicken for the stew?
Begin with 2 lbs of chicken with skin removed. After cooking, shred the meat from the bones and discard the bones.
What specific frozen vegetables are required?
You will need 10 ounces of frozen sliced okra, 1 cup of frozen baby lima beans, and 1 cup of frozen whole kernel corn.
Is the stew spicy?
The stew contains 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, providing a mild savory warmth rather than intense heat.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I use a larger crock pot?
While a 3.5 to 4-quart pot is recommended, you can use a larger one, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What is the first step in assembling the stew?
The first step is placing onion wedges in the bottom of the crock pot to create a flavorful base.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
Diced cooked ham is used, which is a great way to use leftovers.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Should the baby lima beans be thawed before adding?
No, the recipe specifies using them frozen.
Is the chicken broth canned or fresh?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of chicken broth.
What is the purpose of the dry mustard?
Dry mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor common in Southern stews.
How should the okra be prepared?
Use one 10-ounce package of frozen sliced okra.
When should I stir the stew?
Give the stew a gentle stir once all ingredients are fully cooked and tender before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for chilly evenings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect hearty meal for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
How do I ensure the flavors are well infused?
The long, slow cooking time in the crock pot (8-10 hours) allows the spices and meats to meld together perfectly.