Grilled Virginia Brunswick Stew Skewers: A Deconstructed Southern Classic

There is something deeply nostalgic about the aroma of Virginia Brunswick Stew, a dish steeped in Southern history and debate. Traditionally, this hearty concoction is slow-simmered in a massive iron cauldron, melding flavors of chicken, pork, corn, and lima beans into a thick, comforting porridge. However, we are taking those iconic flavors out of the pot and onto the fire. By deconstructing the stew into skewers, we capture the essence of the original recipe—the savory meats and the sweet summer vegetables—while introducing the irresistible char that only an Arteflame grill can provide. This method prevents the vegetables from turning to mush and allows the sugars in the corn and tomatoes to caramelize beautifully. It is a playful, finger-food tribute to a Virginian staple that brings the history of the South directly to your modern outdoor kitchen.

Ingredients

The Skewer Essentials

• 1 lb Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1 lb Pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 12 Baby Yukon Gold potatoes, par-boiled
• 2 ears Fresh corn on the cob, cut into 1-inch wheels
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, whole
• 1 cup Pearl onions, peeled
• 1/2 cup Lima beans (optional, best served as a sautéed side on the flat top)
• Bamboo or metal skewers (soak bamboo in water for 30 mins)

The Brunswick Basting Sauce

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Chicken stock
• 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Begin by building a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a solid bed of coals to heat the carbon steel cooktop.
2. Aim for a surface temperature of roughly 400°F to 450°F on the flat cooktop.
3. While the grill heats, combine all the Brunswick Basting Sauce ingredients in a small cast-iron saucepot. Place the pot on the outer edge of the cooktop to keep warm and melt the butter without boiling it over.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

1. If using bamboo skewers, ensure they have been soaked to prevent burning.
2. Thread the ingredients onto the skewers, alternating for visual appeal and flavor distribution. A good pattern is: Potato, Pork, Onion, Chicken, Tomato, Corn.
3. Repeat until the skewer is full but not overcrowded; leaving a little space helps the heat circulate around each piece of meat.
4. Lightly brush the raw skewers with a coat of olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking before the first turn.

Step 3: Grill and Baste

1. Place the skewers radially on the flat cooktop. Position the meatier ends closer to the center fire for higher heat, and the delicate vegetables toward the outer edge.
2. Sear the skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side. As you turn them, generously brush them with the warm Brunswick Basting Sauce.
3. Continue to turn and baste every few minutes. The goal is to build up layers of flavor while the pork and chicken cook through.
4. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes total, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the pork reaches 145°F.

Step 4: Final Sear and Serve

1. For an extra kiss of smoke, you can briefly hold the skewers over the open fire in the center using heat-resistant gloves, charring the edges of the corn and tomatoes.
2. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
3. Drizzle the remaining basting sauce over the top before serving hot.

Tips

Mastering these skewers on the Arteflame requires a little bit of strategy regarding heat management. Since potatoes take significantly longer to cook than cubed chicken or pork, par-boiling them is non-negotiable; if you skip this step, you will end up with burnt meat and raw potatoes. When arranging your food on the grill, utilize the heat zones effectively. The carbon steel cooktop is hottest near the center and cooler near the edges. Place the ends of the skewers holding the densest meat closer to the fire, and angle the vegetables outward. If you want to incorporate the traditional lima beans which are too small to skewer, simply toss them in a bit of butter and garlic directly on the flat cooktop surface alongside your skewers, serving them as a rustic garnish.

Variations

While this recipe honors the Virginia tradition, Brunswick stew is famous for its regional variations, and your skewers can be just as flexible. You can easily adapt the protein or the flavor profile to suit your guests' preferences or whatever fresh produce you have on hand. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• Georgia Style: Add a heavy splash of barbecue sauce and a pinch of sugar to the basting liquid for a sweeter, redder profile typical of Georgia Brunswick stew.
• Game Day Skewers: Swap the pork tenderloin for rabbit or smoked sausage chunks for a more rustic, hunter-style flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Double the cayenne pepper and add crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a fiery finish.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with thick chunks of portobello mushrooms and extra firm tofu, using vegetable stock for the baste.
• Low Carb: Omit the potatoes and corn, replacing them with zucchini rounds and bell peppers.

Best pairings

To round out this deconstructed Southern feast, you need sides that complement the smoky, savory nature of the skewers without overpowering them. Since the skewers already contain your meat, starch, and vegetables, the sides can be relatively simple and texture-focused. The richness of the butter baste calls for something acidic or fresh to cleanse the palate. Additionally, bread is essential for soaking up any sauce that drips onto the plate.

• Skillet Cornbread: Bake a jalapeño cheddar cornbread in a cast-iron skillet directly on the grill while the skewers cook.
• Vinegar Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy slaw provides the perfect crunch to contrast the tender grilled vegetables.
• Fried Okra: Keep it Southern with crispy fried okra.
• Drink Pairing: An amber ale or a glass of sweet iced tea pairs perfectly with the BBQ flavors.

Conclusion

Grilled Virginia Brunswick Stew Skewers offer a brilliant way to enjoy the complex flavors of a heritage dish without spending hours tending to a simmering pot. By utilizing the Arteflame grill, you elevate the humble ingredients through high-heat searing and wood-fired smoke, adding a layer of depth that a stovetop simply cannot replicate. This recipe is more than just dinner; it is a conversation starter that blends culinary history with modern grilling techniques. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or a cozy autumn gathering, these skewers provide a comforting, savory experience that pays homage to the South while embracing the joy of open-fire cooking.