Brunswick stew chicken recipe with shredded chicken, potatoes, corn & lima beans. An easy one-pot Southern classic with slow cooker & make-ahead tips.
Brunswick Stew Chicken Recipe
This Brunswick stew chicken recipe is a Southern classic made with shredded chicken, potatoes, corn, and lima beans in a rich tomato-based broth.
Seasoned with BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, onions, and garlic, it’s a hearty one-pot meal. Cooked on the stovetop or slow cooker, it’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners..
Why You’ll Love This Brunswick Stew Chicken Recipe
There’s a reason this Brunswick stew chicken recipe is a Southern favorite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with simple pantry staples. Shredded chicken makes it quick and easy, while potatoes, corn, and lima beans add comfort and nutrition.
Cook it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or crockpot for a hands-off dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients for Brunswick Stew with Chicken
Ingredient | Purpose / Notes |
---|---|
Shredded chicken | Provides lean protein and hearty texture |
Potatoes | Adds creaminess, natural thickener |
Corn kernels | Sweetness and Southern authenticity |
Lima beans | Adds fiber, protein, and earthy flavor |
Diced tomatoes | Forms the rich tomato-based broth |
Chicken broth | Base liquid, enhances savory depth |
BBQ sauce | Smoky-sweet flavor, Georgia-style tradition |
Worcestershire sauce | Boosts umami and savory balance |
Onion & garlic | Flavor base, aromatic richness |
Smoked paprika | Adds mild heat and smokiness |
Salt & black pepper | Essential seasoning and balance |
Optional okra | Southern touch, adds thickness |

How to Make Brunswick Stew Chicken Recipe
Making this Brunswick stew chicken recipe is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for a hearty, flavorful stew:
Step 1 — Sauté aromatics
Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Step 2 — Add liquids and tomatoes
Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently.
Step 3 — Cook the potatoes
Add diced potatoes. Simmer 20 minutes until fork-tender and naturally thickened.
Step 4 — Add chicken and vegetables
Mix in shredded chicken, corn, lima beans, and optional okra. Cook until tender.
Step 5 — Adjust seasoning & texture
Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika. Mash a few potatoes or simmer uncovered to thicken. For Georgia-style, add pulled pork.
Step 6 — Rest & serve
Let stew rest 5 minutes. Serve with cornbread, biscuits, or rice.
For a slow cooker Brunswick stew, cook on low 6–8 hours, adding chicken in the last hour.

Variations of Brunswick Stew Chicken Recipe
This Brunswick stew chicken recipe can be adapted to fit your taste or tradition.
- For a smoky Georgia-style Brunswick stew, add pulled pork and extra BBQ sauce for rich depth.
- For a lighter version, skip the BBQ sauce and add more vegetables like carrots or green beans.
- A Virginia-style stew is more tomato-forward with a thinner texture.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for mushrooms and beans while keeping the tomato base.
Each version stays hearty, flavorful, and rooted in Southern comfort.

Expert Tips for Flavor & Texture
- For the best Brunswick stew chicken recipe:
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers for easy make-ahead meals.
- Sauté aromatics first to build a rich flavor base.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for natural creaminess and mash a few to thicken.
- Balance tomato and BBQ sauce for richness without overpowering.
- Let the stew rest before serving.
What to Serve with Brunswick Stew
This Brunswick stew chicken recipe pairs perfectly with Southern staples like cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, or collard greens. For a heartier meal, serve it over rice or with creamy mashed potatoes.
Add a crisp side salad or pickled onions for brightness, creating a balanced, comforting dinner everyone will enjoy.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
The following values are approximate and based on one serving of this Brunswick stew chicken recipe (about 1 ½ cups). Actual values may vary depending on ingredients, added pork, or portion size.
Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal | With chicken only |
Protein | 27 g | Higher if adding pulled pork |
Carbohydrates | 28 g | Mostly from potatoes, corn, and beans |
Fiber | 6 g | From vegetables and beans |
Fat | 9 g | Varies with chicken cut and BBQ sauce |
Sodium | 880 mg | Use low-sodium broth to reduce |
Sugar | 8 g | From tomatoes and BBQ sauce |
This balanced stew is protein-rich, filling, and naturally gluten-free.uten-free.

FAQs
Q1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shred and add in the last 15 minutes.
Q2. Is Brunswick stew possible in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4.
Q3. How do I thicken the stew?
Mash a few potatoes or simmer uncovered.
Q4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Q5. How long does it last in the fridge?
3–4 days sealed tightly.
Q6. What’s Georgia vs. Virginia style?
Georgia adds pulled pork; Virginia is more tomato-based.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨