Slow Cooker Georgia-Style Brunswick Stew with Smoked Chicken
A hearty, slow-simmered stew blending smoked chicken, tomatoes, lima beans, and corn for a comforting Georgia regional classic. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 435 minutes pairs canned diced tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, shelled fresh lima beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4, bone-in, skin removed smoked chicken thighs
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup, shelled fresh lima beans
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to a slow cooker along with 4 smoked chicken thighs (skin removed), 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1 cup fresh lima beans, 3 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender and flavors meld. Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones, and return meat to the slow cooker. Stir well and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Georgia-Style Brunswick Stew with Smoked Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Georgia-Style Brunswick Stew with Smoked Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Georgia-Style Brunswick Stew with Smoked Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Georgia-Style Brunswick Stew with Smoked Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Georgia-Style Brunswick Stew with Smoked Chicken?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
