Popeye's Cajun Rice (Best Copycat Recipe)

This Popeye's cajun rice recipe combines fluffy rice with ground beef, chicken gizzards, and the perfect balance of rich cajun seasoning. It's the perfect compliment to just about any main course and it's so, so easy to make. In fact, just 3 simple steps are all it takes to make!

My Take On Popeyes Cajun Rice

If you've ever had Popeye's cajun rice before, you know it packs a ton of flavor in a little dish. Personally, I think it's one of the most underrated things on the menu, which is why I had to come up with a copycat recipe for it!

And I'm so glad I did cause it's pretty incredible. I mean, this homemade cajun rice is loaded with tons of flavor from the beef broth, creole seasoning, savory ground beef, chicken gizzards, and tender veggies it gets cooked with.

Dare I say, I think it tastes even better than the one from the restaurant. Well, it just might.

Also, this creole rice goes great with so many things, like these Popeyes biscuits and this Popeyes chicken sandwich.

Why I Love This Recipe

It's easy to make. All you have to do is cook the rice, then cook the meat and spices, and combine everything together. It's seriously that easy!

It has the best flavor. The combination of the ingredients used to make this dirty rice creates an incredibly savory, slightly spicy, and delicious cajun flavor that you just can't get in any other rice recipe.

It's the real deal. This recipe is as close as you'll get to the flavor and texture of the cajun rice Popeye's used to serve.

Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this cajun rice recipe is that it requires simple ingredients to make. Aside from the chicken gizzards, you probably will have many of the ingredients on hand since they're basic kitchen/pantry staples.

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make it:

• 2 cups long grain rice, rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 500 gr. ground beef 
• ½ cup chicken gizzards, minced
• ½ green bell pepper, minced
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. celery seed
• 1 tsp. creole seasoning
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp. coarse ground black pepper
• ½ cup water

How To Make Popeyes Cajun Rice

1. Cook the rice: Add the long grain rice of your choice to a Dutch oven with the beef broth. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat, then reduce it to medium-low heat. Cover the Dutch oven and cook the rice for 20 minutes.

2. Cook the meat and veggies: While the rice is cooking, add the vegetable oil, ground beef, chicken gizzards, bell pepper, and onion to a large cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Break the beef apart and cook everything for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Season the dish: Add the garlic powder, celery seed, creole seasoning, cayenne, and black pepper along with the water to the skillet and stir well.

4. Finish and serve: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and give all of the ingredients a good stir until it's well combined. Serve the rice hot, and enjoy!

My Pro Tips

• You'll want to cook the meat and veggies until the beef browns, the chicken gizzards are cooked through and no longer pink, and the veggies are tender.
• Use chicken breasts instead of chicken gizzards for a leaner option.
• Add even more creole seasoning to the rice if you really want to enhance the flavor. 
• Garnish the rice with diced green onions and red pepper flakes for even more flavor. 

How I Recommend Storing and Reheating The Cajun Rice

In the fridge: Transfer the rice to an airtight container and store it for up to 4 days. It'll have even more flavor over the next few days.

In the freezer: If you want to keep your rice for even longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months.

Reheating: Transfer the leftover rice and a splash of water or broth to a saucepot over medium heat and let the rice simmer for a few minutes - stirring occasionally -until everything reaches your desired temperature. You can also microwave the rice in 30-second intervals. Add more reheating time for frozen rice.

FAQS About This Popeyes Cajun Rice Recipe

Does Popeyes still make cajun rice?

According to Popeye's website, they are no longer offering cajun rice on their menu. The only rice they have is the red beans and rice.

What is Popeyes cajun rice made of?

Popeyes cajun rice is made of ground beef, celery, onion, green bell peppers, cajun spices, chicken broth, and rice. The meat and rice are typically cooked separately and then combined together to make the finished dish.

More Of My Favorite Copycat Recipes

If you're looking to make more restaurant faves from the comfort of your own home, you're in the right place. We have a bunch on the blog for you to try.

Here are some of my favorites: 

• Popeyes red rice and beans
• Chipotle cilantro lime rice
• Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice
• Halal cart chicken over rice
• Benihana fried rice