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Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 484 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/copycat-popeyes-cajun-rice-recipe/