Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice brings bold, smoky flavors to your table with a comforting blend of seasoned meats and aromatic vegetables. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that captures the spirit of classic Cajun cooking right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground chicken or turkey
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and ground chicken. Cook until fully browned, breaking the meat into fine crumbles with a spoon.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until everything is well blended and the rice develops slightly crispy spots.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Use ground sausage instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the meats with diced mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Cooking the rice in broth adds depth, but you can use water if you prefer a milder base.
Storage
Store leftover Cajun rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
While instant rice can be used, the texture may be softer and less flavorful. Cooking regular long-grain rice in broth yields the best results for authentic flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a simple Cajun blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Adjust quantities to taste for a similar flavor profile.
PrintCopycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice Recipe
This Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice recipe replicates the flavorful and spicy rice dish served at Popeye’s. Made with a blend of ground beef and chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of Cajun spices, this hearty rice dish is perfect as a stand-alone meal or a side to your favorite Cajun dishes. It offers bold flavors and a satisfying texture that will bring a taste of the South right into your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Meats
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground chicken or turkey
Vegetables
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the long-grain white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, set aside.
- Brown the meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and ground chicken (or turkey). Cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat into fine crumbles, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma, blending well with the meat.
- Season & build flavor: Add the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, and salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with the spices and tomato paste, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute or two.
- Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Mix thoroughly, stirring until the rice is evenly blended with the seasoned meat mixture and develops a slightly crispy texture in some spots from the skillet heat.
- Finish & serve: Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve hot as a delicious Cajun-inspired main dish or side.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, increase or omit the cayenne pepper to your preference.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- Leftover Cajun rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Keywords: Popeye’s Cajun Rice, Copycat Cajun Rice, Cajun flavored rice, Cajun recipes, spicy rice dish, southern cooking, Cajun seasoning rice
