Virginia Brunswick Stew Skewers on the Arteflame

Introduction

Get ready for a classic Southern dish with a grilled twist! These Virginia Brunswick Stew Skewers bring savory chunks of chicken, sweet corn, and tender lima beans together on a skewer, all glazed with a tangy tomato-based barbecue sauce. Cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill, this recipe delivers bold, fire-kissed flavors with a perfectly balanced sear.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5" chunks
• 2 ears corn, shucked and sliced into 1/2" rounds
• 1 cup cooked lima beans (drained and firm)
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wood skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 1 cup tomato-based barbecue sauce (tangy style)
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the grill basin and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build strong flames.
4. Heat the Arteflame grill for about 20 minutes until the center grate hits over 1,000°F and the surrounding flat top is hot and evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the skewers

1. In a bowl, toss chicken chunks, corn, and lima beans in melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread the chicken, corn, and lima beans onto the pre-soaked skewers, alternating ingredients for visual appeal.

Step 3: Sear the chicken

1. Place the skewers over the center grate of the Arteflame grill to sear the chicken at high temp (over 1,000°F) for 1–2 minutes per side.
2. Once nicely seared, move the skewers to the flat cooktop griddle closer to the outer edge to finish cooking.

Step 4: Glaze and finish

1. Brush the skewers with your tomato-based BBQ sauce as they cook on the flat top.
2. Rotate the skewers to evenly caramelize the sauce without burning it.
3. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F, then remove from the heat (carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken).

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot off the grill alongside your favorite Southern sides.

Tips

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites that handle high heat better.
• Soak the wooden skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
• Sear on the center grate and finish on the flat top for precise cooking and juicy texture.
• Apply BBQ sauce only after searing to prevent sugar in the sauce from burning.
• Always use a meat thermometer—remove chicken at 160°F for best results.

Variations

1. Spicy Carolina Version: Add sliced jalapeños between each skewer piece, and use a vinegar-based Carolina BBQ sauce.
2. Smoked Paprika Infused Skewers: Dust all ingredients with smoked paprika and cumin before grilling for a smoky twist.
3. Garden Veggie Style: Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini to balance the richness of the chicken.
4. Sweet & Tangy Peach BBQ Skewers: Use a peach-infused BBQ sauce and add small peach slices to the skewer lineup.
5. Bourbon Maple BBQ Skewers: Mix a splash of bourbon and maple syrup into your BBQ sauce and glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.

Conclusion

With these Virginia Brunswick Stew Skewers, you’re bringing a delicious Southern tradition to the grill with mouthwatering results. Thanks to the Arteflame’s unique design, you can sear and finish everything to perfection without the need for pots, pans, or other appliances. It’s a simple, beautiful way to grill that delivers incredible flavor every time.

Best pairings

• Grilled cornbread cooked on the Arteflame’s outer edge
• Sweet iced tea or a bourbon lemonade
• Grilled green beans with butter and garlic
• Pickled okra or crisp coleslaw
• Classic Southern potato salad