Bring the bold, spicy flavor of the South to your dinner table with this Copycat Popeyes Cajun Rice Recipe that’s every bit as savory and satisfying as the original.
Packed with rich seasonings and hearty ingredients, this homemade Cajun rice delivers a mouthwatering mix of textures and a smoky depth you’ll want to make again and again.
What You’ll Need for This Popeyes-Inspired Classic
- Ground beef – Adds a savory, meaty base that soaks up the Cajun seasonings beautifully.
- Chicken gizzards – The key to authentic texture and umami depth; finely chopped for a subtle bite.
- Green bell pepper – Offers a touch of sweetness and crunch to balance the spices.
- Green onions – Bring a fresh, slightly pungent flavor that brightens the whole dish.
- Creole seasoning – A signature spice blend that delivers warmth, smokiness, and a punch of Southern flair.
- Beef broth – Enhances the meatiness and adds a layer of richness to tie everything together.
- Cooked long-grain rice – The perfect canvas, fluffy and sturdy enough to hold all those Cajun flavors.
How to Make Cajun Rice Like Popeyes – The Quick Breakdown
Start by browning the ground beef, chopped chicken gizzards, and diced bell peppers in a hot pan until cooked through and aromatic. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the green onions, all the seasonings, and beef broth. Lower the heat and let it simmer so the flavors deepen and blend.
Add the cooked rice, stir everything together, and continue cooking until the liquid evaporates and the rice is well-coated and steamy hot.
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking—maybe a little extra Creole kick or a dash more salt—and serve it up piping hot.
Kitchen Tips & Cajun Rice Twists Worth Trying
For extra depth, consider browning the gizzards a minute or two before the ground beef. This lets them develop a bit more flavor and texture. Don’t have gizzards? Finely chopped liver or minced mushrooms can step in, adding that signature “Popeyes” richness without changing the dish’s character.
Make it spicier by doubling the red pepper flakes or tossing in a splash of hot sauce. Want to make it vegetarian? Use plant-based ground meat and mushroom broth to hold onto that bold, savory profile.
Cook your rice a few hours in advance, or even better, use day-old rice for ideal texture that won’t go mushy.
Keeping It Fresh: How to Store & Reheat Cajun Rice
Leftovers are just as delicious, if not better the next day. Let the rice cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 4 days.
To freeze, portion into freezer-safe bags and flatten for easier storage. Reheat directly from frozen by adding a splash of broth and microwaving or pan-frying until hot. When reheating from the fridge, a quick skillet toss with a bit of oil revives the texture beautifully.
Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon celery flakes or celery seed
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup green onions sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup chicken gizzards finely chopped or ground
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups cooked long-grain rice
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and introduce the ground beef, chopped chicken gizzards, and diced green bell pepper. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks, and continue until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and incorporate the green onions, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, celery flakes, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and beef broth into the skillet. Stir to blend the flavors.
- Add the cooked long-grain rice to the mixture and stir until evenly combined. Allow the dish to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring intermittently, until the liquid has evaporated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional Creole seasoning, salt, or red pepper flakes as preferred. Serve while hot.
