Easy Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice
A flavorful rice dish inspired by Popeye’s, featuring ground meat, Cajun spices, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect as a side or a main course.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ Pound ground beef or pork sausage
- ¼ cup finely chopped chicken liver (optional for authenticity)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.Prepare the Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or pork sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. If using chicken liver, add it to the skillet and cook until no longer pink.Cook the Vegetables: Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.Season the Dish: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and soy sauce. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.Combine Rice and Mixture: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir until fully combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper.
- You can use leftover rice to save time.
- Chicken liver is optional but adds an authentic depth of flavor.