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Bojangles Dirty Rice (Chicken Based)

Bojangles Dirty Rice (Chicken Based) - recipe card
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This chicken-based dirty rice captures the savory, spicy essence of the classic Southern side without any pork. Tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Cajun seasonings create a deeply flavorful rice dish that’s perfect as a main or a hearty side. Each bite is packed with smoky, herby goodness and a satisfyingly moist texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco), or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear without stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. The browning adds depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. The vegetables should soften and become translucent, releasing their moisture and creating a flavorful base, known as the ‘holy trinity’ of Cajun cooking.
  4. Add the minced garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and coat the vegetables and chicken evenly. Toasting the spices in the hot oil wakes up their essential oils and intensifies their flavors.
  5. Pour in the rinsed rice and stir it into the vegetable-chicken mixture, making sure every grain is coated with the seasoned oil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasts the rice slightly, adding a nutty flavor and helping the grains stay separate during cooking.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and hot sauce. Stir once to combine, then bring the liquid to a full boil over high heat. You should see bubbles breaking all over the surface. This step ensures the rice begins cooking evenly from the start.
  7. Once the mixture is boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently. Keep the heat low enough that you see a bare simmer—just a few small bubbles rising here and there. This gentle cooking method allows the rice to absorb the liquid evenly without scorching.
  8. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as it releases steam and disrupts the cooking process. After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. Resting allows the rice to steam and finish absorbing any remaining liquid, resulting in fluffy, perfectly cooked grains.
  9. After resting, uncover the pot and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Use a fork instead of a spoon to separate the grains without mashing them. Taste the dirty rice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or hot sauce if desired.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the rich, savory rice.

Notes

Store leftover dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until heated through (about 2-3 minutes total). Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This rice can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: dirty rice, chicken dirty rice, Cajun rice, Southern rice, one-pot rice, creole recipe, chicken and rice, spicy rice, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/bojangles-dirty-rice-chicken-based/