Instant Pot Brunswick Stew

If you’re craving something warm and filling without spending all day in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Brunswick stew is calling your name.

It’s cozy, loaded with flavor, and perfect for using up leftovers in the tastiest way.

In under 30 minutes, you'll whip up a delicious and satiating feast that's bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Recipe Video

Why This Instant Pot Brunswick Stew Recipe Works

It doesn't get much simpler than this quick and easy Instant Pot Brunswick stew, and that's the main reason this recipe works. The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process significantly, making this recipe accessible to even the most novice chefs. Unlike traditional methods that may require prolonged simmering or constant monitoring, the Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time dramatically, yielding a flavorful stew in a fraction of the time.

Combine that with very simplistic ingredients, and you couldn't find an easier way to make Brunswick stew if you tried. With just a few simple steps, users can sauté, simmer, and serve this hearty dish in under 30 minutes. This efficiency makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or whenever a comforting, homemade meal is desired without the lengthy preparation time.

Ingredients

Onion:

Onion serves as a fragrant aromatic in this easy Instant Pot Brunswick stew, imparting a savory depth to the dish. Other aromatics like garlic, shallots, leeks, or celery can be used to add complexity and depth to the stew's aroma and taste.

Chicken:

Chicken is the star of the dish in this Instant Pot chicken Brunswick stew. However, if you don't like chicken or don't have any handy, pork shoulder, pork tenderloin, stewing beef, brisket, smoked sausage, or even diced ham can offer flavorful alternatives.

Hot Sauce:

The best hot sauce to use in Instant Pot Brunswick stew is typically a Southern-style hot sauce, such as Texas Pete or Crystal Hot Sauce. For a homemade option, combine equal parts of chopped hot peppers, vinegar, and salt in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture until peppers are softened, then blend until smooth. Adjust the heat level and acidity to taste, and strain if desired.

Chicken Broth:

Chicken broth adds richness, depth, and savory notes to Instant Pot Brunswick stew, enhancing its overall flavor profile. It provides a robust base for the stew, infusing it with a comforting aroma and velvety texture. If you don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth can be used as a suitable alternative.

Roasted Tomatoes:

For Instant Pot Brunswick stew, either canned roasted tomatoes or fresh tomatoes can be used, depending on your preference and availability. Canned roasted tomatoes offer a convenient option with a rich, caramelized flavor that can enhance the depth of the stew. On the other hand, fresh tomatoes provide a bright, vibrant taste and texture, especially when they're in season.

Lima Beans:

Lima beans add creaminess and a mild, buttery flavor to your traditional Instant Pot Brunswick stew. However, substitutes like butter beans or cannellini beans offer similar creaminess and nutritional benefits.

Creamed Corn:

Creamed corn is used in a homemade Instant Pot Brunswick stew to add richness, creaminess, and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Adding it at the very end of the cooking process helps preserve its texture and flavor, preventing it from becoming overly mushy or diluted during prolonged cooking.

How to Make Instant Pot Brunswick Stew

Step One: 

Prepare your ingredients by dicing the onion, peeling and chopping the potato, and dicing the chicken.

Step Two: 

Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and saute at normal for 5 minutes.

Step Three: 

Add the onion, and once it is aromatic, add the chicken and cook until browned.

Step Four:

Add salt, pepper, hot sauce, chicken broth, potatoes, tomatoes, and lima beans. Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 12 minutes.

Step Five: 

When cooking time is complete, wait for a natural release, then add the creamed corn and stir to incorporate.

Step Six: 

Serve with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Tips

• Ingredients like cornstarch or flour can thicken the stew if necessary. Mix them with a small amount of liquid before adding them to the stew to prevent clumping.
•  Before serving, garnish the stew with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.

What to Serve With  Brunswick Stew

Instant Pot Brunswick stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its hearty and flavorful nature.

Serve it alongside freshly baked cornbread for a classic Southern combination. Alternatively, opt for a side of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich stew. For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables provide a refreshing contrast.

FAQs

How can I make Brunswick stew without an Instant Pot?

The recipe will look relatively the same. Begin by sauteing your onion in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken to brown. once the chicken is browned, add in the remaining ingredients, bring it to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Let the stew simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are cooked through.

Can I make a vegan Instant Pot Brunswick stew?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the chicken with a variety of different options. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, peas, okra, cabbage, butternut squash, tofu, tempeh, or seitan can all be used in place of chicken for your vegan Instant Pot Brunswick stew.

For how long can leftover Instant Pot Brunswick stew be kept fresh?

Leftover Instant Pot Brunswick stew can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer-term storage, it can be frozen for up to 4 months.

More Stew Recipes

What is more comforting than this delicious Instant Pot Brunswick stew? Not much, except for maybe this list of more stew recipes for you to try.

Portuguese Fish Stew

Instant Pot Venison Stew

Beef Stew and Dumplings

Beef Goulash

Cowboy Stew