If you’re craving Popeyes’ Cajun Rice but can’t find it on the menu anymore, you’re not alone! This flavorful, spicy, and hearty side dish was a fan favorite before it was discontinued. Luckily, you can recreate this authentic Louisiana dish at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
What Is Cajun Rice?
Cajun Rice is a flavorful Southern dish made with long-grain rice, ground beef, and bold Cajun seasonings. It’s similar to Dirty Rice, a classic dish in Louisiana Creole cuisine, but without the chicken livers. Instead, Popeyes’ version uses ground beef and chicken gizzards for a rich, meaty texture.
For a deeper dive into Cajun cooking traditions, check out this history of Cajun cuisine.
Ingredients for the Best Popeyes Cajun Rice
To achieve the authentic taste, you’ll need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ½ pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ¼ cup chicken gizzards, finely minced (optional)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Want an alternative take on this dish? Check out this Cajun Dirty Rice recipe for more inspiration.
How to Make Popeyes Copycat Cajun Rice
Follow these simple steps for a delicious, homemade Cajun Rice that’s just like Popeyes’.
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and stir in the rice.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes or until fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and chicken gizzards, breaking them up as they cook.
- Stir in the bell pepper, onion, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Step 3: Add Seasonings & Simmer
- Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and celery seed.
- Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring until fully coated with the Cajun spices and meaty mixture.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to customize your Cajun Rice? Here are some modifications:
- Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, or go meatless with plant-based crumbles.
- Rice Options: Use brown rice for added fiber or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Extra Spice: Add hot sauce or extra cayenne for a fiery kick.
Serving Suggestions
Popeyes’ Cajun Rice pairs perfectly with:
- Crispy fried chicken or blackened catfish
- Cornbread and collard greens
- Shrimp Étouffée for a full Louisiana feast
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Popeyes still serve Cajun Rice?
No, Popeyes removed Cajun Rice from its menu, which is why many fans are searching for the best copycat recipe!
2. What’s the difference between Dirty Rice and Cajun Rice?
Dirty Rice includes chicken livers, which give it a darker color, while Cajun Rice typically features ground beef and fewer organ meats.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
4. How long does Cajun Rice last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
5. What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, as it absorbs flavors well without getting mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Popeyes Copycat Cajun Rice is easy to make and packed with bold Creole flavors. Whether you serve it as a side or a main dish, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try it today and bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen!
Print
Popeyes Copycat Cajun Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful, spicy, and hearty Cajun Rice dish just like Popeyes’—perfect as a side or main dish!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ½ pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ¼ cup chicken gizzards, finely minced (optional)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and stir in the rice. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and chicken gizzards, breaking them up as they cook.
- Stir in bell pepper, onion, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Sprinkle in Creole seasoning, cayenne, black pepper, and celery seed.
- Pour in beef broth, stirring well. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir until fully coated with seasonings.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne or hot sauce. Try using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a variation!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cajun rice, Popeyes copycat, Louisiana cuisine, spicy rice