Step into the realm of quick and delicious home cooking with Quick Brunswick Stew—a delightful creation from Plain Chicken that promises all the heartiness of traditional Brunswick Stew in a fraction of the time. This recipe is a testament to the genius of simplifying without compromising on flavor. Join us as we dive into the art of crafting this speedy yet soul-satisfying stew that captures the essence of Southern comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients:
For the Stew Base:
- 2 lbs shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (14 oz each) cream-style corn
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (14 oz) butter beans, drained
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1 – Quick Start:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced smoked sausage, and finely chopped onions over medium heat.
Step 2 – Creamy Fusion:
- Stir in cream-style corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), and drained butter beans. Mix until the ingredients meld together.
Step 3 – Flavor Burst:
- Introduce ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well for an even distribution of flavors.
Step 4 – Simmering Symphony:
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors infuse and the stew thicken slightly.
Step 5 – Taste and Adjust:
- Sample the stew and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Add more hot sauce for extra heat or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Step 6 – Serve and Savor:
- Ladle the Quick Brunswick Stew into bowls and savor the rapid fusion of flavors that captures the essence of Southern comfort in every bite.
Cook Notes:
- For an extra layer of smokiness, consider using a smoked rotisserie chicken or adding a drop or two of liquid smoke to the stew.
Additional Tips:
- Customize the stew by incorporating your favorite vegetables such as diced bell peppers or okra.
- Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
Variations:
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a gooey and indulgent twist.
Cornbread Crumble: Serve the stew over a bed of crumbled cornbread for a delightful textural contrast and added Southern charm.
Spicy Jalapeño Infusion: Enhance the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the stew during the sautéing step for a spicy kick.
Keto Version:
Keto-Friendly Chicken Choice: Select skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks to maintain a higher fat content, aligning with keto preferences.
Keto Sausage Selection: Opt for smoked sausage with no added sugars to adhere to keto guidelines. Check labels on ketchup and barbecue sauce for hidden sugars or choose sugar-free alternatives.
Keto Veggie Victory: Adjust the vegetable components by adding low-carb options such as diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and green beans.
Low-Carb Version:
Cauliflower Companion: Substitute cream-style corn with a cauliflower purée for a low-carb alternative that adds creaminess to the stew.
Zoodle Zest: Serve the stew over spiralized zucchini (zoodles) instead of traditional butter beans for a refreshing and low-carb option.
Cabbage Coziness: Shred cabbage and add it to the stew during the simmering step for a low-carb twist that brings a hint of sweetness.
As you savor the quick and delightful layers of Plain Chicken’s Quick Brunswick Stew, appreciate the ingenuity that brings together the essence of Southern comfort in a time-saving masterpiece. Whether you follow the original version, explore variations, or tailor it to specific dietary preferences, this recipe embodies the joy of bringing a classic stew to your table without the wait.
Share the warmth of Quick Brunswick Stew with friends and family, making it a reliable addition to your weeknight dinners. As you enjoy the robust combination of shredded chicken, smoked sausage, and a medley of flavors, embrace the adaptability that allows this stew to cater to diverse tastes. It isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a celebration—a celebration of home-cooked goodness, shared moments, and the pure delight that comes from savoring a bowl of Southern comfort. Let Quick Brunswick Stew become your go-to solution for a satisfying and speedy dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
