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Popeyes Cajun Rice

Popeyes Cajun Rice
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This bold, aromatic side dish recreates the iconic Cajun rice from Popeyes, featuring long-grain rice simmered in chicken broth with the holy trinity of vegetables—onion, bell pepper, and celery—plus a homemade Cajun seasoning blend. Each fluffy, lightly buttered grain is infused with smoky paprika, garlic, and a touch of tomato paste for a vibrant orange hue and deep savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see note for homemade blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy during cooking.
  2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan (3-quart) over medium heat. Once the butter foams and the foam subsides, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Sweating the vegetables gently builds a savory base flavor.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen in color and flavor.
  4. Add the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices, then add the rinsed rice. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and each grain glistens with butter and seasoning.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as steam is essential for even absorption.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any residual moisture and ensures fluffy grains. Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions just before serving. The rice should be moist but not wet, with a distinct Cajun spice warmth and a tender bite.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add 1 tablespoon of water or broth per serving and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Use 1 tablespoon of this blend for the recipe.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/popeyes-cajun-rice/