Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Southern cuisine with this mouthwatering Brunswick Stew that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine a rich, hearty stew packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the most incredible corn dumplings that will make you forget about every other comfort food you've ever tried. This isn't just a recipe – it's a culinary journey that promises to warm your soul and impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine chopped onions, diced potatoes, and diced carrots. Sauté over medium heat until onions become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- While the stew is simmering, prepare the corn dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and baking powder. Whisk together to ensure even distribution.
- Add melted butter and milk to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Fold in chopped fresh parsley for additional flavor.
- After the stew has simmered for one hour, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering liquid. Space the dumplings evenly across the surface of the stew.
- Cover the pot and allow dumplings to steam for 15-20 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
- Check that dumplings are cooked through by inserting a toothpick into the center of a dumpling. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving includes stew and at least one dumpling. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pot: A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is crucial for even heat distribution and preventing burning.
- Shred Chicken Carefully: Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the most tender meat. Shred it into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Dumpling Consistency is Key: Don't overmix the dumpling dough. A slightly sticky, soft dough will create the most tender dumplings.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: When cooking dumplings, keep the lid on! Opening it can prevent proper steaming and result in dense dumplings.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken naturally.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley if possible – it adds a bright, fresh flavor that dried herbs can't match.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for an easy meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
