By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 6, 2023 | Last Updated on December 6, 2023
Brunswick stew is a classic Southern dish that originated in Brunswick County, Virginia. It’s a hearty and flavorful stew. Though the exact origins of this dish are unknown, it has become a staple in Southern cuisine and is often served at barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings.
This Brunswick stew is a modern twist on the traditional version, incorporating a variety of ingredients to create a well-rounded and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for those cold winter nights or anytime you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal.
So gather your ingredients and follow along with these step-by-step directions to create your own delicious bowl of Brunswick stew. So let’s get cooking and recreate this beloved Southern dish in the comfort of your own home.
What is Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew?
Old Hickory House is a restaurant chain that has been serving delicious barbecue and Southern cuisine since 1956. One of their signature dishes is the Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew, which has become a fan favorite over the years.
This version of Brunswick stew combines all the classic flavors with added ingredients to make it unique to the Old Hickory House brand. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved dish among Southern food lovers.
It features a blend of chicken, tomatoes, corn, lima beans, and other flavorful ingredients that create a rich and savory stew. With its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, it’s no wonder why the Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among diners.
Why You’ll Love this Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew?
You can’t help but love this Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew for comforting flavors. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also easy to make in just a few simple steps. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion –
Budget-friendly – This stew is made with affordable ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Easy to make – With simple step-by-step directions, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for even beginner cooks.
Versatile – While this stew is delicious on its own, it can also be served alongside other dishes like cornbread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Leftover-friendly – This stew reheats well and can be enjoyed as leftovers for a quick and easy meal the next day.
Delicious – Most importantly, this stew is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. With its combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
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Ingredients
- Onion: This is an essential ingredient in the stew, as it provides a base for flavor and adds a nice texture to the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic is another important ingredient that gives this stew its unique taste and aroma.
- Oil: You can use any type of oil for sautéing the onion and garlic. Olive oil or vegetable oil would work well.
- Boned chicken breast: The chicken provides a protein-rich element to the stew and adds a meaty texture.
- Beef soup base: This gives the stew a rich and savory flavor. You can use either beef or chicken soup base, depending on your preference.
- Tomato paste: The tomato paste is used as a thickening agent for the stew, giving it a nice consistency.
- Frozen whole-kernel corn: The corn adds a nice sweetness to the stew and pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Frozen cream-style corn: This adds an extra layer of creaminess to the stew, making it even more delicious.
- Frozen baby lima beans: Lima beans are a traditional ingredient in Brunswick stew and add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Chili paste: This provides a nice spicy kick to the stew. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Yellow mustard paste: Mustard adds a tangy and slightly bitter flavor to balance out the sweetness in the stew.
- Worchester sauce: This adds a rich and savory depth of flavor to the stew.
- Brown sugar: A little bit of brown sugar helps balance out the acidity of the tomato paste and adds a nice touch of sweetness.
- Black and red pepper: These spices add some heat and flavor to the stew. Adjust the amount according to your liking.
- Salt: Salt is essential for flavoring the dish. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Lemon juice: This provides a tangy element to balance out the flavors in the stew.
- Hot sauce: If you’re feeling extra spicy, add a bit of hot sauce to the stew for some extra kick.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Prep the Ingredients
- Chop the onion and garlic.
- Cut the chicken breast into cubes.
Step 2
Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 3
Add Chicken Breast and Tomatoes
- Add the chicken breast to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in the beef soup base and tomato paste, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 4
Add Frozen Corn, Lima Beans, and Cream-style Corn
- Add the frozen whole-kernel corn, baby lima beans, and cream-style corn to the pot.
- Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes.
Step 5
Add Chili Paste, Mustard Paste, Worcester Sauce, Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce
- Add the chili paste, yellow mustard paste, Worcester sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, and brown sugar to the pot.
- Mix well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6
Season with Salt, Pepper and Serve
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning according to your liking. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot in bowls or with your choice of sides.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use a vegetable soup base instead of beef.
- To make this dish even more budget-friendly, you can use canned whole-kernel corn and cream-style corn instead of frozen.
- If you want a thicker stew, add more tomato paste or let it simmer for longer to reduce the liquid.
- For added protein, you can also add other types of meat such as pork or beef to the stew.
Nutrition Information
How to store Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew?
To store leftovers, let the stew cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
When reheating, make sure to heat it thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For the best results, thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it. You can also add a splash of chicken or beef broth when reheating to help retain moisture and prevent the stew from becoming too thick.
What other substitute can I use in Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew?
If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, there are a few substitutions you can make in this recipe. For example:
- If you don’t have chicken breast, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or any other type of cooked meat.
- Instead of using frozen corn and cream-style corn, you can use canned versions.
- If you don’t have chili paste, you can use hot sauce or cayenne pepper for some added heat.
- In place of yellow mustard paste, you can use Dijon mustard or stone-ground mustard.
Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew Recipe
Equipment
- Stirrer
Ingredients
- Beef soup base – 3/4 tsp approximately half of 1.5 tsp Crafting a robust and savory foundation, the beef soup base elevates the overall umami experience.
- Oil – 1 tsp Providing a silky texture and aiding in the cooking process the oil ensures a delightful mouthfeel.
- Boned chicken breast – 3/8 pieces approximately half of 3/4 Contributing tender and juicy bites, the chicken breast forms the heart of this hearty dish.
- Onion – 1/2 cup Adding a sweet and savory undertone the onion enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Tomato paste – 1/2 bowl Creating a luscious and thick consistency the tomato paste imparts a bold and tangy character.
- Frozen whole kernel corn – 1/2 package Introducing bursts of sweetness and crunch the whole-kernel corn adds a delightful texture.
- Garlic – 1 clove Infusing a rich and aromatic essence garlic brings depth to the dish.
- Frozen cream- style whole-kernel corn – 1/2 can Bestowing a velvety and creamy texture the cream-style corn enriches the dish with its smoothness.
- Chili paste – 1/2 cup Infusing a fiery kick the chili paste brings a bold and spicy dimension to the dish.
- Frozen baby lima beans – 1/2 package Offering a tender bite and mild earthiness the baby lima beans complement the medley of flavors.
- Hot sauce – 1/4 cup approximately half of 1/2 cup Amplifying the heat with finesse, the hot sauce intensifies the overall flavor profile, ensuring a spicy and satisfying experience.
- Brown sugar – 1/2 tsp Providing a subtle sweetness brown sugar balances the flavors with a hint of caramelization.
- Yellow mustard paste – 1 tsp Introducing a zesty and tangy note the yellow mustard paste adds a bright and lively flavor.
- Worcester sauce – 1/2 tsp Enhancing the savoriness and depth Worcester sauce contributes a nuanced complexity.
- Lemon juice – 1 tsp Offering a refreshing citrusy brightness lemon juice adds a zingy and vibrant touch.
- Black and red pepper – 1/2 tsp Elevating the heat level and adding a peppery punch the black and red pepper create a well-rounded spiciness.
- Salt – 1/2 tsp Acting as a flavor enhancer salt brings out the best in each ingredient while maintaining balance.
Instructions
- Begin by meticulously prepping all the ingredients before starting to cook. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a generous amount of oil to sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the succulent chicken breast cubes to the pot, cooking them until they acquire a luscious brown color. Then, stir in the beef soup base and tomato paste, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Introduce the frozen whole-kernel corn, flavorful baby lima beans, and creamy-style corn to the pot, stirring thoroughly for a few minutes.
- Next comes the addition of bold flavors – chili paste, tangy yellow mustard paste, savory Worcester sauce, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of hot sauce for some extra heat. Don’t forget the brown sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomato paste.
- Let the stew simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a harmonious and mouth-watering concoction. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot in bowls or with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use a vegetable soup base instead of beef.
- To make this dish even more budget-friendly, you can use canned whole-kernel corn and cream-style corn instead of frozen.
- If you want a thicker stew, add more tomato paste or let it simmer for longer to reduce the liquid.
- For added protein, you can also add other types of meat such as pork or beef to the stew.
FAQs
Is Brunswick stew spicy?
The level of spiciness in this stew can be adjusted according to personal preference. The chili paste and hot sauce add some heat, but you can use less or omit them altogether for a milder version.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by first sautéing the onions, garlic, and chicken before transferring them to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
Yes, you can add any vegetables of your choice to this stew. Some popular additions include diced potatoes, bell peppers, and okra. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for the added veggies.
Conclusion
Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold day or need to feed a crowd, this stew is sure to impress.
With its unique combination of flavors and easy preparation, it’s a must-try for any home cook. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you for reading our guide on how to make Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew. We hope this article has been helpful and informative. Please share this article with your family and friends, and let us know how your stew turned out in the comments below.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
