Classic Popeyes Cajun Rice Copycat
Enjoy a homemade version of the iconic Popeyes Cajun Rice with this copycat recipe. Flavorful ground beef and tender rice, seasoned with a blend of classic Cajun spices.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Dutch Oven
- Spoon
- Fork
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean
- 1/2 pound chicken giblets finely chopped (livers, gizzards, hearts - can substitute with more ground beef or ground chicken/turkey)
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 3 garlic minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and finely chopped chicken giblets, breaking up the meat and cooking until browned (8-10 minutes); drain excess grease.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, black pepper, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using); cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice and bloom spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from heat, keep it covered, and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fluff.
- Remove the bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork, adjust salt as needed, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can brown the chicken giblets separately first to develop a deeper crust before combining with the ground beef. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is recommended for even cooking and to prevent the rice from sticking.