Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 20, 2023, | Last modified on September 2, 2024
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The Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is a delicious twist on the classic Southern comfort food. This hearty stew is perfect for cold winter evenings and can be served with a side of buttery cornbread and coleslaw. Get ready to feast on some true Southern comfort food!

In this article, we’ll discuss what Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is, how it tastes, and how to make this delicious dish. 

We’ll also offer tips on what to serve with the stew, how to store leftovers, and answer some frequently asked questions. So let’s get cooking!

Pioneer Woman's Brunswick Stew Recipe

What is Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew?

Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is an updated take on the classic southern stew, which traditionally includes pork or chicken, potatoes, lima beans, and corn in a thick, tomato-based broth. 

The Pioneer Woman’s version adds barbecue sauce for an added smoky flavor, and brown sugar to balance out the savory flavors.

What does it taste like?

Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is a savory and flavorful mix of tender chicken, pork, potatoes, lima beans, and corn in a thick tomato-based broth. The barbecue sauce adds smokiness to the stew while the brown sugar lends sweetness to balance out all the other flavors. 

The cayenne pepper gives it a slight kick of heat, and the bay leaves add an herbal note to the dish. The result is a comforting, hearty stew that’s sure to warm you up on a cold winter night.

How did I first get introduced to the Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew?

The first time I was introduced to the Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew was through Ree Drummond’s best-selling cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks. In the book, Ree gives a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make her version of this classic Southern stew. 

After reading through the instructions and seeing all the delicious ingredients that went into it, I was instantly intrigued and knew I had to give it a try. When I finally did, the result was a comforting and flavorful stew that quickly became my go-to cold-weather meal.

How to make Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew?

Making Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. Here are the ingredients & follow the step-by-step instructions:

You can also read the following appetizer recipes:

Ingredients

  • Roasted chicken: This tender, juicy protein is the star of this dish.
  • Pulled pork: This slow-cooked meat adds incredible flavor to the stew.
  • Baby lima beans: This mild and creamy legume is a great source of protein and fiber.
  • Corn kernels: Sweet and plump kernels of corn give the stew an added sweetness.
  • Potatoes: Adding potatoes to the stew thickens it up and adds a starchy texture.
  • Broth: Use either chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor and moisture.
  • Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add depth of flavor and a nice acidity to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Barbecue sauce: The smokiness of barbecue sauce takes this from good to great.
  • Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness helps balance out all the savory flavors in this stew.
  • Worcestershire sauce: This classic condiment adds depth of flavor and a hint of acidity.
  • Garlic cloves: Garlic gives this dish an earthy, garlicky kick.
  • Black pepper and cayenne pepper: These two spices add a nice kick of heat.
  • Bay leaves: These fragrant leaves give the stew an herbal note and depth of flavor.
  • Early peas: Peas add both texture and extra sweetness to this dish.
  • Unsalted butter: A pat of butter at the end adds richness and creaminess.
  • Cornbread: Serve this hearty stew with a buttery, golden-brown slab of cornbread.
  • Coleslaw: Make a quick and easy coleslaw to serve alongside the stew for an extra crunchy texture and flavor.
Pioneer Woman's Brunswick Stew Recipe

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the roasted chicken, pulled pork, lima beans, corn kernels, potatoes, and broth.

Step 2

Stir the ingredients together until all of the ingredients are combined.

Step 3

Add in the canned tomatoes, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic cloves, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 5

After 20 minutes, add in the early peas and butter. Stir to combine and cook until the peas are tender and the stew has thickened about 10 more minutes.

Step 6

Serve hot with cornbread and coleslaw on the side.

Tips

-If you are short on time, you can use canned chicken and pork in place of roasted chicken and pulled pork.

-Be sure to adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like your stew a bit spicier, then add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

-This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make a big batch and save some for later.

-If using canned ingredients, check the labels for any added sugars or preservatives that may affect the flavor of your stew.

Pioneer Woman's Brunswick Stew Recipe

Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

The Pioneer Woman's Brunswick Stew is a delicious twist on the classic Southern comfort food. This hearty stew is perfect for cold winter evenings and can be served with a side of buttery cornbread and coleslaw. Get ready to feast on some true Southern comfort food! In this article, we'll discuss what Pioneer Woman's Brunswick Stew is, how it tastes, and how to make this delicious dish.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 1596kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked pulled pork
  • 2 cups roasted chicken breast
  • 2 cups red potatoes
  • 1 cups baby lima beans
  • 1.5 cups mushroom popcorn kernels
  • 1 15 oz can of tomatoes
  • Dole Classic Coleslaw Mix
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cups hickory barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 4  garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 16 oz can early peas
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper powder
  • Cornbread mix
  • unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 fresh bay leaves

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the roasted chicken, pulled pork, lima beans, corn kernels, potatoes, and broth.
  • Stir the ingredients together until all of the ingredients are combined.
  • Add in the canned tomatoes, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic cloves, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, add in the early peas and butter. Stir to combine and cook until the peas are tender and the stew has thickened about 10 more minutes.
  • Serve hot with cornbread and coleslaw on the side.

Notes

-If you are short on time, you can use canned chicken and pork in place of roasted chicken and pulled pork.
-Be sure to adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like your stew a bit spicier, then add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
-This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make a big batch and save some for later.
-If using canned ingredients, check the labels for any added sugars or preservatives that may affect the flavor of your stew.
Keyword: Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew, Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew Recipe

Nutrition Information

Calories from Fat 125

Calories 1596 kcal

Total Fat 14g

Saturated Fat 4.7g

Trans Fat 0.2g

Cholesterol 74mg

Sodium 462mg

Potassium 574mg

Total Carbohydrates 17g

Dietary Fiber 2.4g

Sugars 9.6g

Protein 24g

What to serve with Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew?

Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is best served with a side of buttery cornbread and coleslaw. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs well with the smoky, savory flavor of the stew, and the crunch of the coleslaw adds a nice contrast in texture. 

You can also serve this hearty stew with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even garlic bread.

How to store leftover Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew?

You can store leftover Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. 

For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to three months. To reheat frozen leftovers, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew as long as they make sure all the ingredients are cooked through and any meat is fully cooked. 

However, it is important to check with your doctor before consuming this dish if you have any concerns.

FAQs 

What is the difference between Brunswick Stew and Chili?

The main difference between Brunswick stew and chili is that Brunswick stew typically has a thinner consistency, while chili has a thicker, more stew-like texture. Also, while chili can be made with a variety of meats and beans, Brunswick stew usually uses chicken or pork as well as lima beans and corn.

Does Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew have a lot of heat?

No, this stew is not overly spicy. It does contain a hint of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, but should not be too overwhelming. If you would like to add more spice, feel free to add hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper to your individual bowl.

Is Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Be sure to check labels if using store-bought ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Wrapping Up

Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please. It’s easy to make and can be served with cornbread and coleslaw for an extra delicious meal. 

Plus, it can be easily adapted to fit dietary needs by using gluten-free ingredients or adjusting the spice level. Give this yummy dish a try today!

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful in learning more about Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew. Feel free to share this article with your friends and family so they can enjoy this delicious dish too.

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Lori-Walker

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

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