Description
Nothing beats the bold, smoky comfort of Brunswick Stew—a hearty Southern classic that’s rich in flavor and packed with shredded chicken, tender pulled pork, sweet corn, and creamy lima beans in a tomato-based broth. Whether you're planning quick dinner ideas or meal prepping cozy food for the week, this easy recipe is freezer-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and full of wholesome ingredients. It’s one of the best healthy comfort food ideas for chilly nights, potlucks, or just warming up your weekday dinner routine.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup diced carrots
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup cooked pulled pork
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen lima beans
1 cup frozen okra
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low. Let the stew simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add shredded chicken, pulled pork, corn, lima beans, and okra. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes until heated through.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For deeper flavor, use smoked meat or add a touch of liquid smoke.
Simmer uncovered if you prefer a thicker stew texture.
Letting the stew rest overnight enhances its flavor dramatically.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy recipe, Brunswick stew, comfort food, Southern dinner, quick dinner, freezer meal, healthy soup