Irresistible Paula Deen Brunswick Stew Recipe For Chilly Days

Paula Deen’s brunswick stew bursts with Southern comfort, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that tells a story of regional tradition.

Simmering with rich, complex flavors, this robust dish captures the essence of hearty home cooking.

Tender meats and vibrant vegetables blend into a harmonious mixture that warms both body and soul.

Each spoonful carries whispers of generations-old recipes passed down through family kitchens.

The stew represents more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of Southern hospitality and resourceful cooking.

Layers of smoky, savory goodness create a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to a welcoming Southern table.

Get ready to experience a classic comfort food that promises pure, soul-satisfying deliciousness.

Cooking Instructions for Brunswick Stew

• Kickstart the Flavor Explosion

Fire up a large saucepan and transform ordinary bacon into crispy magic. Sizzle those bacon bits until they’re almost crunchy, then welcome chopped onions to dance around the pan until they turn soft and translucent.

• Create Mouth-Watering Stew Magic

Dive into a flavor party by tossing in tender chicken chunks, juicy tomatoes, sweet creamed corn, and hearty lima beans. Pour in a splash of chicken broth, a generous glug of tangy barbecue sauce, and a dash of vinegar for punch. Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, and black pepper to wake up every taste bud.

• Simmer and Surrender to Deliciousness

Let your stew bubble and whisper on low heat, transforming simple ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece. Cover the pan and let everything mingle and marry for about 5-7 minutes. Watch as lima beans soften and flavors deepen, creating a soul-warming dish that hugs you from the inside out. Your kitchen will smell like pure happiness, promising a meal that’s both rustic and irresistible.

Tips and Seasoning Swaps

Explore exciting twists on this classic stew that will elevate your cooking game.

Replace chicken with tender pulled pork or ground turkey for a delicious protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.

Add a kick of heat by mixing in diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes to transform the stew’s flavor profile and give it a spicy punch.

Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, vibrant meal that packs additional nutrients.

Prepare the stew in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious meal that tastes better with time.

Serving Ideas for Brunswick Stew

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve this hearty stew alongside warm, toasted bread slices to soak up the delicious, flavor-packed sauce.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the stew for a burst of color and fresh, zesty flavor.
• Create a Complete Meal: Complement the stew with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to add extra nutrition and variety to your dining experience.
• Enjoy with Comfort Sides: Serve over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to transform this stew into a truly satisfying and filling meal.

How to Store and Reheat Brunswick Stew

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Prepare in Advance: Cook a double batch of the stew and store portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Perfect for busy families needing fast, delicious dinner solutions.
• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftover stew in sealed containers and consume within 3-4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, this hearty dish will stay fresh for up to 3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead meal option.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, restoring the stew's original rich texture and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Paula Deen’s Brunswick Stew

• Bacon: Select thick-cut, smoky bacon for maximum flavor depth.
• Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, tender meat.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium version to control salt levels.
• Barbecue Sauce: Select a tangy, robust sauce with complex undertones.
• Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar for subtle sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Pick a high-quality brand for authentic umami kick.

• Onions: Select sweet yellow onions for caramelized richness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted for deeper, smokier profile.
• Creamed Corn: Choose fresh or canned for creamy texture.
• Frozen Lima Beans: Pick young, tender beans for best consistency.
• Celery Salt: Select high-quality blend for balanced seasoning.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor.

Equipment to Make Brunswick Stew

• Large Saucepan: Deep, heavy-bottomed pan for cooking and simmering stew with even heat distribution.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precisely chopping bacon, onions, chicken, and other ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safe and efficient ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring stew and preventing ingredients from sticking to pan bottom.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, corn, and other liquid ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning with celery salt, pepper, and sauces.
• Can Opener: Opens diced tomato and other canned ingredients smoothly.

Hearty Paula Deen Brunswick Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Brunswick Stew combines hearty Southern ingredients in a rich, comforting dish from Georgia’s culinary heritage. Home cooks can savor this classic one-pot meal that warms hearts and satisfies hunger with its robust blend of meats and vegetables.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (2½-pound/1.1 kg) rotisserie chicken, meat removed and chopped
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 (28-oz/794 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (16-oz/454 g) can creamed corn
• 1 (10-oz/283 g) package frozen lima beans
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp celery salt
• black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Render bacon in a spacious saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Integrate finely diced onions, sautéing until translucent and soft.
2. Liquid and Protein Integration: Add cubed chicken to the bacon-onion base. Pour in diced tomatoes, creamed corn, frozen lima beans, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground celery seeds, and black pepper.
3. Simmering and Cooking: Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring periodically, until lima beans become tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked, approximately 10-12 minutes.
4. Finishing and Serving: Calibrate seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired. Allow the stew to rest for 3-4 minutes off heat, enabling flavor development and harmonization before serving.

Notes

• Bacon Rendering Tip: Cook bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and create a rich, smoky base for the stew that enhances overall taste and texture.
• Vegetable Sautéing Technique: Softening onions thoroughly releases natural sugars, creating a deeper, more complex flavor foundation for the Brunswick stew.
• Liquid Balance Crucial: The combination of chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and vinegar creates a perfectly balanced tangy and savory liquid that tenderizes meat and adds depth.
• Cooking Time Precision: Avoid overcooking to maintain chicken’s tenderness and prevent lima beans from becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect stew consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg