Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern-inspired stew is packed with flavor, combining tender meat, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth. The slow cooking method brings everything together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of delicious, smoky flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 ½ cups frozen lima beans
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen sliced okra
• 1 ½ cups corn
• 3 medium-sized red potatoes, diced
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1-2 tsp hot sauce (Tabasco or your choice)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, combine all the ingredients, stirring well to mix.
2. Cook: Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Stir occasionally.
3. Serve: Once the stew is cooked, stir again and serve hot with cornbread or crackers for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add or remove vegetables according to your preference, such as adding carrots or celery for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the hot sauce or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth, omit the meats, and substitute with plant-based protein or additional vegetables.
• More Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to intensify the smoky flavor in the stew.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew with only one type of meat?

Yes, you can use just shredded chicken if you prefer, but adding both meats gives extra flavor and richness.

2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You can use fresh lima beans, okra, or corn in place of the frozen versions. Just chop and prepare them as you would the frozen variety.

3. Can I add more spices to the stew?

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili powder can add a bit more depth and heat.

4. What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

Red potatoes work best for this recipe, as they hold their shape well when cooked. You can also use Yukon Gold or any waxy potato variety.

5. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this stew on the stovetop. Just bring it to a boil in a large pot, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce?

You can skip the Worcestershire sauce, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. If you omit it, consider adding a bit more salt or soy sauce for extra umami.

7. How do I make this stew thicker?

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes once cooked or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking.

8. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly in this recipe, but you can use homemade BBQ sauce if you prefer.

9. Is this stew spicy?

The stew has a slight kick from the hot sauce, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.

10. Can I serve this stew with something else besides cornbread?

Yes, this stew pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or even a simple green salad.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any meal. With a combination of shredded chicken, vegetables, and savory spices, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and delicious. Whether you serve it for dinner or as a meal prep option for the week, this stew will quickly become a family favorite!

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