Brunswick Stew

Brunswick Stew That Healed My Soul

because sometimes you just need a warm hug in a bowl

OK, girl… let me tell you what happened. It was one of those days. You know the type — everything felt a little too much, my fridge was basically giving tumbleweed vibes, and I had no plan whatsoever for dinner. But then I remembered this rustic, cozy little stew I once tasted at a roadside shack on a trip down South — and boom, craving unlocked.

So I did what any hungry, chaotic queen would do: I grabbed a can of corn, a bag of frozen okra I forgot I even had, and some leftover pulled chicken from the night before (bless that decision). Before I knew it, I was halfway into making the most comforting, hearty, soul-snuggling bowl of Brunswick Stew — and bestie, when I tell you it changed my mood? Whew.

I didn’t set out to make anything fancy. Just wanted something warm, full of flavor, and easy enough that I could make it while wearing fuzzy socks and blasting old R\&B in the background. Mission: accomplished.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Brunswick Stew

You know how some recipes just get you? That’s this stew for me. Every spoonful feels like a soft blanket and a pep talk.

My best friend came over while I was reheating leftovers the next day, and she literally said, “Wait, WHAT is this and why haven’t you made it before?!” She had two bowls, took a Tupperware to go, and called me the next day asking for the “magic soup recipe.”

This one’s been my rainy-day savior, my fridge-clearer, and my way of pretending I’ve got it all together… even when I totally don’t.

What You’ll Need (your grocery love list)

This recipe is basically a fridge clean-out in disguise — but with purpose. Here’s what I tossed in (and yes, it worked).

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (use rotisserie if you’re feeling lazy — no judgment)
• 1 cup frozen corn (sweet and happy — this one’s non-negotiable)
• 1 cup baby lima beans (or just regular ones, canned is fine, babe)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (gives it that cozy richness)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (I cry every time… literally)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (trust me, it adds depth)
• 2 cups chicken broth (use what you’ve got — boxed, bouillon, homemade, whatever)
• Salt, black pepper, and hot sauce to taste (go wild)

Pro tip from Maria: If you’ve got leftover pulled pork or brisket, throw it in. It’s giving Southern soul food realness.

How to Make My Stewy-Lou-Who

Step 1 – Sauté Like a Southern Auntie

Heat a drizzle of oil in a big ol’ pot. Toss in your onions and garlic and let ‘em sizzle until they’re soft and making your kitchen smell like a warm hug. If your garlic starts browning too fast — turn that heat down, honey. We’re not burning dreams today.

Step 2 – Dump and Stir, Babe

Add your tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and broth. Stir like you mean it. Then toss in the chicken, corn, and lima beans. Give it all a good swirl and bring it to a simmer. It’s already looking like comfort, right?

Step 3 – Let It Do Its Thing

Lower the heat and let everything mingle for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. It should start to thicken and get all lovely and cozy. If it’s looking too thick? Add a splash more broth. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer.

Step 4 – Taste Test Like the Queen You Are

Now comes the best part — tasting! Adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce to your liking. I like mine with a little kick. My first time making this, I totally over-salted it, but girl, a squeeze of lemon juice saved it. Life hack.

Maria’s Tricks That Take It Next-Level

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end — weird, but it brightens the whole thing.
• Serve it with cornbread or even buttery toast — trust me, it turns snack into a moment.
• Make a big batch and freeze portions for lazy days — it reheats like a dream.
• Add smoked paprika if you’re feeling fancy — it gives off major “slow-smoked for hours” energy without the effort.

FAQ (Stuff I Learned the Messy Way)

Final Thoughts from Maria (and her messy kitchen)

OK babe, if you’re still here — first of all, I love you. I hope this Brunswick Stew becomes your new rainy-day fave, your fridge-dump miracle, your I-need-a-hug dinner.

Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about throwing things in a pot, stirring with love, and feeding your soul (and maybe your roommates). So go make it your own. Add your twist. Let it get a little messy. And please, if you try it, tag me or shoot me a message. I live for your kitchen wins.

Until the next mess, stay delicious.
With love,
Maria

Brunswick Stew

A cozy, easy Southern-inspired Brunswick Stew made with shredded chicken, sweet corn, and pantry staples. Perfect for lazy nights, rainy days, or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Soups & Stews

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken use rotisserie if you’re feeling lazy — no judgment
• 1 cup frozen corn sweet and happy — this one’s non-negotiable
• 1 cup baby lima beans or just regular ones, canned is fine, babe
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes gives it that cozy richness
• 1 small yellow onion diced (I cry every time… literally)
• 2 garlic cloves minced (because garlic makes everything better)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce trust me, it adds depth
• 2 cups chicken broth use what you’ve got — boxed, bouillon, homemade, whatever
• Salt black pepper, and hot sauce to taste (go wild)

Instructions

 

Sauté Like a Southern Auntie

• Heat a drizzle of oil in a big ol’ pot. Toss in your onions and garlic and let ‘em sizzle until they’re soft and making your kitchen smell like a warm hug. If your garlic starts browning too fast — turn that heat down, honey. We’re not burning dreams today.

Dump and Stir, Babe

• Add your tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and broth. Stir like you mean it. Then toss in the chicken, corn, and lima beans. Give it all a good swirl and bring it to a simmer. It’s already looking like comfort, right?

Let It Do Its Thing

• Lower the heat and let everything mingle for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. It should start to thicken and get all lovely and cozy. If it’s looking too thick? Add a splash more broth. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer.

Taste Test Like the Queen You Are

• Now comes the best part — tasting! Adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce to your liking. I like mine with a little kick. My first time making this, I totally over-salted it, but girl, a squeeze of lemon juice saved it. Life hack.

Notes

• Protein swaps: Use pulled pork, brisket, or go vegetarian with lentils/chickpeas.
• Spice tip: A little hot sauce + smoked paprika = chef’s kiss.
• Storage: Stays fresh in the fridge for 4 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
• Serve with: Cornbread, garlic toast, or even a grilled cheese if you’re feelin’ extra.
• Mood pairing: Best enjoyed in fuzzy socks with R&B or a romcom playing in the background.

Keyword Brunswick stew