Brunswick Chicken Stew
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Brunswick stew, a Southern classic named after Brunswick County, Virginia, offers a rich history and robust flavor profile. Traditionally concocted with squirrel and devoid of vegetables, the modern adaptation features broiler-fryer chickens, marrying savory chicken with a medley of veggies. For optimal taste, prepare this stew a day in advance, allowing the flavors to mingle in the refrigerator overnight. Pair it with a crisp salad and warm bread slathered in butter, elevating your dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 3 broiler-fryer chickens
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup margarine
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cans whole tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
- 1 cup lima beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup fresh corn
- 1 cup frozen corn
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 503.8
- Fat: 26.9g
- Saturated Fat: 7.8g
- Cholesterol: 128.9mg
- Sodium: 464.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.6g
- Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugar: 3.7g
- Protein: 36.4g
Instructions:
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-drained.
- In a 4-quart cast-iron kettle or Dutch oven, heat the butter until it melts to perfection.
- Saute the sliced onions in the luscious butter until they achieve a golden hue, infusing the stew with a delightful aroma.
- Introduce the whole tomatoes, water, thyme, basil, cayenne, and salt to the pot. Stir these ingredients together seamlessly, then add the chicken pieces to the mix.
- Bring the concoction to a hearty boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, covering the pot for a tantalizing 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.
- As the chicken simmers, scrub and quarter the potatoes, introducing them to the kettle once the initial 30 minutes have elapsed.
- If opting for fresh lima beans, add them to the pot alongside the potatoes, letting them soak in the savory broth for an additional 20 minutes of cooking.
- Tantalize your taste buds as the stew continues to cook, and after 20 minutes, introduce the fresh or frozen corn and lima beans if using the frozen variant.
- Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the potatoes achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- In a culinary flourish, push the chicken and vegetables to one side of the kettle, creating room to stir the bread into the broth. Witness the magic as the bread disintegrates, thickening the broth to a sumptuous consistency.
- Finally, bring all the elements together—chicken, vegetables, and the thickened broth—into a harmonious union.
Rating:
- 5/5 Stars based on 1 review
This Brunswick Chicken Stew is a celebration of Southern culinary heritage, a symphony of flavors that blend harmoniously. Make it a day ahead, and let time transform it into a culinary masterpiece, delivering an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of comfort and tradition. 🍲✨
