The Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe is a hearty Southern-style dish packed with tender meat, vegetables and rich barbecue flavor. This comforting stew is thick, smoky, slightly sweet and perfect for family dinners.
It is also a great way to use leftover cooked chicken or pork. The combination of tomatoes, corn, lima beans and barbecue sauce creates incredible flavor in every spoonful. If you want to learn How to make Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew, this easy recipe is perfect for a cozy homemade meal.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind delicious Brunswick stew is building layers of flavor. Start with tender shredded meat and a rich tomato base.
Barbecue sauce adds sweetness and smoky flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth and a slightly smoky taste.
The vegetables bring color, texture and natural sweetness. A slow simmer allows everything to blend beautifully.
You can also adjust the thickness based on your preference. Simmer longer for a thicker stew or add extra broth for a lighter consistency.

Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 390 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Ladle
- Forks for shredding meat
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked shredded smoked pork
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1½ cups frozen lima beans
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Additions
- Hot sauce
- Cayenne pepper
- Chopped celery
- Diced carrots
- Okra
- Extra barbecue sauce
- Fresh green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare The Meat
Shred the cooked chicken and smoked pork into small pieces. Remove any bones, skin, or large pieces of fat.
2. Sauté The Onion
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
3. Add The Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant without allowing it to brown.
4. Add The Tomatoes
Pour the fire-roasted tomatoes into the pot with their juices. Stir well with the softened onions.
5. Add The Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
6. Add The Barbecue Sauce
Stir in the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard and brown sugar for a rich flavor.
7. Add The Vegetables
Add the corn, lima beans, and diced potatoes. Stir gently so everything becomes coated with the flavorful broth.
8. Add The Seasonings
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt and garlic powder.
9. Add The Meat
Stir the shredded chicken and smoked pork into the stew until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
10. Simmer The Stew
Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about thirty minutes.
11. Adjust The Flavor
Taste the stew and add more barbecue sauce, salt, pepper or hot sauce according to your preference.
12. Serve Warm
Ladle the Brunswick stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm cornbread.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use leftover roasted chicken to save preparation time.
- Smoked pork gives the stew deeper Southern flavor.
- Choose a barbecue sauce you already enjoy.
- Add extra corn for more natural sweetness.
- Use fresh vegetables when available.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- Simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Add extra broth if the stew becomes too thick.
- Use pulled pork instead of smoked pork.
- Serve with cornbread for a classic combination.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 31g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Brunswick stew is filling enough to serve as a complete meal. However, a few simple sides make it even better.
- Serve each bowl with warm homemade cornbread. The slightly sweet bread is perfect for soaking up the thick stew.
- You can also serve the stew with buttery biscuits or crusty bread.
- For a lighter side, add a fresh green salad or simple coleslaw.
- Pickles, sliced onions and extra barbecue sauce also pair nicely with this Southern-style dish.
- For gatherings, serve the stew in a large pot alongside cornbread and several simple toppings.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Allow leftover stew to cool slightly before storing it.
- Place the stew in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave until completely hot. Stir halfway through heating for even warmth.
- You can also reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the stew becomes too thick during storage.
- Brunswick stew also freezes well. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
- Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked shredded smoked pork
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1½ cups frozen lima beans
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Additions
- Hot sauce
- Cayenne pepper
- Chopped celery
- Diced carrots
- Okra
- Extra barbecue sauce
- Fresh green onions
Instructions
Prepare The Meat
- Shred the cooked chicken and smoked pork into small pieces. Remove any bones, skin or large pieces of fat.
Sauté The Onion
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
Add The Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant without allowing it to brown.
Add The Tomatoes
- Pour the fire-roasted tomatoes into the pot with their juices. Stir well with the softened onions.
Add The Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Add The Barbecue Sauce
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard and brown sugar for a rich flavor.
Add The Vegetables
- Add the corn, lima beans, and diced potatoes. Stir gently so everything becomes coated with the flavorful broth.
Add The Seasonings
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt and garlic powder.
Add The Meat
- Stir the shredded chicken and smoked pork into the stew until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Simmer The Stew
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about thirty minutes.
Adjust The Flavor
- Taste the stew and add more barbecue sauce, salt, pepper or hot sauce according to your preference.
Serve Warm
- Ladle the Brunswick stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm cornbread.
Notes
- Use leftover roasted chicken to save preparation time.
- Smoked pork gives the stew deeper Southern flavor.
- Choose a barbecue sauce you already enjoy.
- Add extra corn for more natural sweetness.
- Use fresh vegetables when available.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- Simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Add extra broth if the stew becomes too thick.
- Use pulled pork instead of smoked pork.
- Serve with cornbread for a classic combination.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew
What is Brunswick stew?
Brunswick stew is a thick Southern-style stew traditionally made with meat, tomatoes, corn, beans, and other vegetables. It often includes barbecue sauce for smoky flavor.
Can I use only chicken?
Yes. You can make this stew with chicken alone. Shredded rotisserie chicken is especially convenient and adds plenty of flavor.
Can I use pulled pork?
Absolutely. Pulled pork is an excellent choice for Brunswick stew. Smoked pork adds a delicious smoky taste that works especially well.
How can I make Brunswick stew thicker?
Simmer the stew uncovered for longer. Some of the liquid will evaporate, creating a thicker and richer consistency.
Can I make Brunswick stew in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on Low for about six hours or High for three hours. Add cooked meat during the final hour.
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe is hearty, smoky, savory and packed with comforting Southern flavors. Tender chicken, smoked pork, sweet corn, lima beans, tomatoes and barbecue sauce create a satisfying homemade meal.The recipe is also flexible and works well with leftover meats and vegetables.
You can make it mild, spicy, thick or extra saucy based on your family’s taste.Now you know How to make Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew with simple ingredients and easy steps. Gather the Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew and serve it with warm cornbread for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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