Popeyes Cajun Rice Copycat
Bring the bold flavors of Louisiana home with this irresistible Popeyes Cajun Rice Copycat recipe. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, smoked paprika, and a hint of dried thyme, this dish combines fluffy long-grain rice with a savory medley of ground beef, chicken livers, and aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Simmered in chicken broth to infuse every bite with authentic Southern goodness, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers a restaurant-quality side dish or main course in just 40 minutes. Garnished with fresh green onions, this soul-warming classic is ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it's your ultimate guide for recreating the beloved Popeyes Cajun Rice at home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice
- 2 cups Water
- 0.5 pounds Ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Ground chicken livers
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.5 Yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 stalk Celery, finely diced
- 0.25 Green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons Dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 cups Chicken broth
- 1 stalk Green onion, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs clear, then set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and chicken livers to the skillet. Break apart the meat with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
Season the mixture with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and the liquid to slightly reduce.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and gently mix everything together until the rice is evenly coated and combined with the meat mixture.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1147 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.0 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.4 g | 167% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 318 mg | 106% | |
| Sodium | 1635 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.8 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 52.9 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 187 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1036 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
