Brunswick Stew: Chicken, Tomatoes, And A Story

Chicken Brunswick Stew is a hearty, savoury dish that combines shredded chicken, vegetables, and a blend of spices. This Southern comfort food is a favourite for many, with its mix of sweet and spicy flavours. While there are variations to the recipe, the stew typically includes ingredients such as corn, lima beans, potatoes, and a range of seasonings. It can be made in a single pot and is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal during the cooler months.

Chicken Brunswick stew ingredients

Chicken Brunswick stew is a blend of meats, vegetables, and spices. The ingredients vary depending on the region, but the dish typically includes chicken, pork, beef, or other meats, as well as vegetables like potatoes, corn, lima beans, and tomatoes. Here is a list of ingredients that are commonly used in Chicken Brunswick Stew:

Meats:

• Chicken: This can include shredded cooked chicken breasts, chicken parts, or a whole rotisserie chicken.
• Salt Pork: Adds flavour and saltiness to the stew.
• Other Meats: In some regions, the stew may include beef, rabbit, or squirrel.

Vegetables:

• Potatoes: Diced potatoes are commonly added to the stew.
• Corn: Whole kernel corn or creamed corn can be used.
• Lima Beans: Frozen or canned lima beans are a common ingredient.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced or whole peeled tomatoes are typically used.
• Onions: Chopped or sliced onions add flavour to the stew.
• Carrots: These can be fresh or frozen, chopped or sliced.
• Celery: Chopped celery is used in some recipes.

Seasonings and Condiments:

• BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky, savoury flavour to the stew.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This condiment provides a savoury and slightly sweet taste.
• Vinegar: Adds a tangy flavour to the stew.
• Molasses: Gives the stew a deep, sweet flavour.
• Cayenne Pepper: Used to add spiciness to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.

Other Ingredients:

• Chicken Broth or Stock: Adds flavour and moisture to the stew.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the vegetables.
• Butter: Some recipes call for butter to sauté the onions and celery.

The beauty of Chicken Brunswick Stew is that it can be adapted to personal preferences and the availability of ingredients. It's a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for a family meal or a large gathering.

How to make chicken Brunswick stew

Chicken Brunswick stew is a hearty, Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base. The recipe below is a simple, amalgam of the Georgia and Virginia versions of the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock
• Scant ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2″ cubes
• 1 cup frozen lima beans
• Chopped parsley or chives (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Method:

• Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven.
• Add the carrots, onions, and celery, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Sweat the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and the onions and celery begin to look slightly translucent.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute.
• Add the cooked shredded chicken, canned tomatoes, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses. Stir to combine and turn the heat up to high.
• When the mixture starts to boil, cover with the lid, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add the diced potatoes and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
• Stir in the lima beans and corn and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• Taste for seasonings and adjust as necessary.
• Serve with hot sauce on the side and sprinkle each bowl with parsley, chives, or cheddar cheese as desired.

The history of chicken Brunswick stew

The Virginia Claim

Virginia can trace its Brunswick stew heritage back to 1828, when a cook prepared the dish for a hunting camp party, as evidenced by county records. It is said that the cook lazily threw all the supplies into a pot and cooked the mixture over a slow fire. The hunters returned to the camp, cold and exhausted, and found the concoction to be a delicious dish. This version of the stew typically includes chicken and rabbit and is served as a main course. Virginians prefer their Brunswick stew thick, and it is not considered done until an oar can stand upright in the center.

The Georgia Claim

On the other hand, Brunswick, Georgia, has an iron pot on display with a plaque claiming that the first Brunswick stew was made in it on July 2, 1898, on nearby St. Simons Island. The Georgian version of the stew tends to be made in smaller batches and often includes pork. It is usually served as a side dish rather than a main course.

Other Theories

Some sources suggest that the stew may have originated earlier in the city of Braunschweig (English: Brunswick) in the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg in today's northern Germany. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, in her "Cross Creek Cookery" (1942), wrote that the stew may have come from this region, which was traditionally known as "Brunswick" in British English.

A Southern Classic

Regardless of its exact origin, Brunswick stew has become a classic Southern dish, with recipes varying by state and region. It is typically a tomato-based stew, with a mix of vegetables, beans, and meats. While it was originally made with small game meats like squirrel or rabbit, chicken has become the most common protein in modern recipes.

What to serve with chicken Brunswick stew

Chicken Brunswick stew is a hearty, savoury dish that is perfect for cold weather. It is a blend of shredded cooked chicken, potatoes, corn, and lima beans. It is a Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base.

When it comes to what to serve with chicken Brunswick stew, there are several options that can complement the dish well. Here are some ideas:

• Bread: A crunchy bread like sourdough or honey whole wheat bread goes well with the stew.
• Crackers: For extra crunch, serve the stew with crackers, such as almond flour crackers.
• Salad: A salad can be a refreshing side dish to pair with the hearty stew. Options such as a quinoa salad, sweet kale salad, or spinach salad would work well.
• Cornbread: This is a classic side dish to serve with Brunswick stew. You can try variations such as Cast Iron Cornbread, Sour Cream Cornbread, or Honey Butter Cornbread.
• Biscuits: Buttermilk biscuits, Cheddar Chive Popovers, or Black Pepper Buttermilk Biscuits can be a tasty accompaniment to the stew.
• Other Side Dishes: Fried okra, hushpuppies, or sautéed spinach are creative options to serve alongside the stew.

These suggestions offer a variety of choices to pair with chicken Brunswick stew, allowing you to create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal.

How to reheat chicken Brunswick stew

Chicken Brunswick stew is a Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base. The recipe varies by state and region, but it often includes chicken, pork, beef, or other meats, along with vegetables like potatoes, corn, and lima beans. It can be spicy or mild, thick or thin, and served as a side dish or a main course.

Now, let's get into the details of how to reheat chicken Brunswick stew:

How to Reheat Chicken Brunswick Steew:

When it comes to reheating chicken Brunswick stew, there are a few methods you can use. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your stew is warmed through and retains its flavour and texture:

• Stovetop: This is the recommended method. Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. Warm the stew slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth or stock (1/3 to 1/2 cup) as the stew tends to thicken as it sits. Warm the stew until it reaches your desired temperature.
• Microwave: If you're reheating a single serving, you can use the microwave. Place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a paper towel or plate to prevent splatters. Heat for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the stew is warmed through.
• Oven: While not as common, you can also reheat the stew in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminium foil. Reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until the stew is heated through.

Tips for Reheating Chicken Brunswick Stew:

• Add Broth: If your stew has thickened too much or seems dry, add low-sodium chicken broth or stock in small amounts while reheating to thin it out and add moisture.
• Stir Occasionally: Whether on the stovetop or in the oven, remember to stir the stew occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking or burning.
• Taste and Adjust Seasonings: After reheating, taste the stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more barbecue sauce, hot sauce, salt, or pepper to enhance the flavours.
• Defrost Before Reheating: If your stew was frozen, be sure to defrost it completely before reheating. You can defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or use the "defrost" setting on your microwave.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy your chicken Brunswick stew again and savour its hearty, savoury, and slightly spicy flavours.

Frequently asked questions