If you’re anything like me, you know the impact of a hearty stew on a chilly day. When I think of comfort food, nothing quite hits the mark like a bowl of flavorful Brunswick stew.
This dish has roots steeped in Southern tradition, but I promise you, Arby’s twist on it will reel you in. Pair this stew with a crispy side of curly fries or a warm, buttery biscuit, and you have yourself a meal that’s going to warm your insides.
Now, let’s dive deeper into what makes Arby’s Brunswick stew so delightful, and how you can enjoy it at home.
What Is Arby’s Brunswick Stew?
Brunswick stew is more than just a simple dish. Traditionally, it’s a fusion of various hearty ingredients, often including meat, vegetables, and a smoky flavor—enter Arby’s version. Renowned for their slow-cooked meats, Arby’s combines smoked pork and chicken in this stew, providing depth, flavor, and that unmistakable barbecue essence.
In essence, it’s a medley of savory tastes. Imagine a soothing bowl filled with tender chunks of meat, vibrant vegetables, and a broth enriched with a hint of spice. If you’ve ever had Brunswick stew, you know you’re in for a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Arby’s Brunswick Stew
Let me tell you why this stew is a keeper. First off, let’s talk about the meat. When you mix tender smoked pork and juicy chicken, you create a mouthwatering experience. The subtle smokiness you get from the pork complements the heartiness of the chicken remarkably well.
Next up, let’s not forget about the vegetables. The brilliant combination of corn, lima beans, and bell peppers adds a refreshing sweetness. This balance is crucial. You don’t want a stew drowning in meat; you want the richness of the food to be harmoniously blended.
But what takes this dish from good to exceptional? The seasonings. This recipe sprinkles in spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. They bring warmth and a slight heat that awakens your taste buds. Each spoonful is not just sustenance; it’s an experience—full of taste, texture, and a hint of Southern hospitality.
You might wonder, “Can I really make this at home?” Well, the answer is a resounding yes! Stick around, and I’ll walk you through making your very own Arby’s Brunswick stew that will impress your friends and family alike.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Arby’s Brunswick Stew
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients. Each plays an essential role in crafting the perfect stew:
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ½ ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn
- 1 ½ cups frozen lima beans
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce, with extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons spicy hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1-2 pinches of cayenne pepper
- 2 ½ cups shredded smoked pork
- 1 ½ cups cooked diced chicken breast or chicken thighs, either smoked or roasted
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic. It usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This step sets the stage for your stew’s depth.
Step 2: Add the Base
Now, stir in the concentrated tomato paste. Cook it for about a minute. This will intensify the flavor right off the bat.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Next, slowly pour in the chicken stock. Stir to combine everything, allowing the base to come together. The aim here is to create a robust broth that will marry all the ingredients.
Step 4: Introduce the Veggies and Meats
It’s time to add in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, sweet corn, lima beans, and bell peppers. Stir these in, allowing every piece to soak in those flavors.
Then add in the smoked pork and cooked chicken. Stir gently to mix without breaking the meat up too much.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
At this point, add your barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients will impart an amazing sweetness and spice balance. Don’t be shy; taste and adjust seasoning as you go!
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the stew has thickened and your kitchen smells heavenly, you can serve it up. I love drizzling a bit of extra barbecue sauce on top before serving. It adds an additional depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
Notes
Here are some tips to ensure your Brunswick stew turns out amazing every time:
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices according to your preferences. You might prefer more heat; if so, add more cayenne!
- Use Quality Meats: Opt for high-quality smoked meats for a richer flavor. It makes a big difference.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand. Carrots or potatoes can work wonders, too!
- Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Cook Longer for Depth: If time allows, simmer the stew longer. Slow cooking deepens the flavors.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem. This stew stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container. If you need to keep it longer, freeze it! It will maintain its flavor for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop.
Nutrition Information
arby’s brunswick stew recipe nutrition facts
Serving Suggestions
Looking to elevate your stew experience? Consider these serving options:
- Serve with Cornbread: A side of moist cornbread is perfect for scooping up the stew.
- Top with Green Onions: Fresh, sliced green onions add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the stew.
- Include a Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad to balance out the heaviness.
- Use Rice: Serve over a bed of rice for an extra filling meal.
- Garnish with Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for a rich finish.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Arby’s Brunswick Stew?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, fear not! Here are some substitutes to consider:
- Turkey for Chicken: If you have leftover turkey, it’s a great substitute for either chicken option used.
- Vegetable Stock for Chicken Stock: For a vegetarian twist, substitute vegetable stock, and ditch the meat.
- Canned Beans for Lima Beans: Black beans or great northern beans can replace lima beans if you’re low on stock.
- Smoked Sausage for Pork: If you want a different flavor, smoked sausage is a fantastic replacement for the smoked pork.
- Fresh Garden Peas for Corn: If you prefer, swap corn for fresh peas; it adds a lovely color and sweetness.
Arby’s Brunswick Stew Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
- 1 can 14 ½ ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn
- 1 ½ cups frozen lima beans
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce with extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons spicy hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1-2 pinches of cayenne pepper
- 2 ½ cups shredded smoked pork
- 1 ½ cups cooked diced chicken breast or chicken thighs either smoked or roasted
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Start by heating the canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic. It usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This step sets the stage for your stew’s depth.
- Now, stir in the concentrated tomato paste. Cook it for about a minute. This will intensify the flavor right off the bat.
- Next, slowly pour in the chicken stock. Stir to combine everything, allowing the base to come together. The aim here is to create a robust broth that will marry all the ingredients.
- It’s time to add in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, sweet corn, lima beans, and bell peppers. Stir these in, allowing every piece to soak in those flavors.
- Then add in the smoked pork and cooked chicken. Stir gently to mix without breaking the meat up too much.
- At this point, add your barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients will impart an amazing sweetness and spice balance. Don’t be shy; taste and adjust seasoning as you go!
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the stew has thickened and your kitchen smells heavenly, you can serve it up. I love drizzling a bit of extra barbecue sauce on top before serving. It adds an additional depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
Notes
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices according to your preferences. You might prefer more heat; if so, add more cayenne!
- Use Quality Meats: Opt for high-quality smoked meats for a richer flavor. It makes a big difference.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand. Carrots or potatoes can work wonders, too!
- Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Cook Longer for Depth: If time allows, simmer the stew longer. Slow cooking deepens the flavors.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Arby’s Brunswick stew is not just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings people together over warm, hearty bowls of comfort. With its perfectly balanced mix of smoky meats, veggies, and spices, this stew is sure to satisfy your cravings. The good news? You can create this culinary delight right in your own kitchen!
So the next time you’re hunting for that perfect comfort food, remember this rich and filling stew. Whether you’re hosting friends or warming up after a long day, this recipe has all the ingredients to impress. Don’t forget to personalize it and have fun while you’re at it. Happy cooking!
