Print

Copycat Popey’s Cajun Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★

3.8 from 32 reviews

This Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice recipe delivers the bold, spicy flavors of the famous fast-food classic made right at home. Featuring a savory combination of ground beef and chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Cajun spices, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect as a main or side.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Meat and Vegetables

  • 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)

Spices and Seasoning

  • 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

  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 the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Brown the meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and ground chicken, cooking until completely browned. Break the meat into fine crumbles as it cooks to ensure even texture.
  3. Add vegetables: Stir in the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
  4. Season and build flavor: Add the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and vegetable mixture with the spices and tomato paste.
  5. Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and allow it to cook a few minutes more to develop slight crispiness in some spots.
  6. Finish and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and serve the Cajun rice hot.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the Cajun seasoning used is certified gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
  • For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

Keywords: Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice, Cajun rice recipe, homemade Cajun rice, spicy rice dish, ground beef and chicken rice, Southern style rice

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/copycat-popeys-cajun-rice-recipe/