Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a flavorful Southern comfort dish, the Bojangles dirty rice recipe is a must-try classic that brings together a rich blend of spices, ground meat, and perfectly cooked rice. This hearty dish, popularized by the famous Bojangles’ restaurant chain, is beloved for its bold taste and satisfying texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious side to accompany your favorite entrée, dirty rice offers an irresistible combination of savory goodness.

The beauty of the Bojangles dirty rice recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Traditionally made with ground beef or pork, mixed with onions, bell peppers, celery, and Cajun seasonings, this dish delivers a smoky, spicy kick that warms the soul. Its roots go back to Creole and Cajun cooking traditions, making it an authentic taste of Southern cuisine that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to recreate the classic Bojangles dirty rice recipe right in your own kitchen. From selecting the best ingredients to mastering the perfect seasoning balance, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure your dirty rice comes out just as delicious as the original. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

What is Dirty Rice?

Dirty rice is a traditional Cajun dish made with white rice cooked with small pieces of meat (usually ground beef or pork), liver, and seasoned with onions, bell peppers, celery, and spices. It’s called “dirty” because the meat and spices tint the rice a brownish color.

Why You’ll Love This Bojangles-Style Dirty Rice

• Authentic Cajun flavor with the right balance of spices
• Easy and quick to prepare
• Perfect side dish or filling main meal
• Great use of pantry staples with hearty meat and vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (for cooking rice)
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/4 pound chicken liver, finely chopped (optional but authentic)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make Bojangles Dirty Rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice

• In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
• Add the rice, cover, and reduce to low heat.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Veggies

• Heat oil or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped chicken liver (if using) and cook until browned.
• Add ground beef and ground pork; cook until browned and fully cooked.
• Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Spices

• Add onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet.
• Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well to coat meat and vegetables evenly.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Meat Mixture

• Add the cooked rice to the skillet.
• Stir everything together thoroughly.
• Let it cook on low for 3-5 minutes so flavors meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley.
• Serve hot as a side or a main dish.

Tips for Perfect Dirty Rice

• Use chicken liver for authentic taste, but you can skip or substitute with extra ground meat.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
• Bacon grease adds smoky depth if available.
• Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley enhance flavor.
• Use homemade Cajun seasoning or store-bought for convenience.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe From DishBloom!

Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe

A flavorful and hearty Cajun-style dirty rice inspired by Bojangles. Made with ground beef, pork, chicken liver, and a blend of aromatic vegetables and spices, this dish is a delicious Southern classic perfect as a side or main course.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking rice)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork optional
• 1/4 lb chicken liver finely chopped (optional)
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or bacon grease
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Cook the Rice: Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  
• Cook the Meat: Heat oil or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped chicken liver (if using) and cook until browned. Add ground beef and pork; cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
  
• Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
• Combine Rice and Meat Mixture: Add cooked rice to the skillet. Stir to evenly combine. Cook on low for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
  

Notes

• Chicken liver adds authentic flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
• Use bacon grease for added smoky depth if available.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
• For a healthier option, substitute white rice with brown rice but increase cooking time accordingly.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Conclusion

Bojangles Dirty Rice is a delicious and comforting Southern classic that brings bold Cajun flavors right to your table. Whether you’re making it as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is simple to prepare and packed with savory spices and tender meat. With just a few staple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy an authentic taste of the South anytime. Give it a try, customize the spice level to your liking, and savor every flavorful bite!

Share Your Twist!

One of the best things about dirty rice is how versatile it is—feel free to make this recipe your own! Try adding Andouille sausage for an extra smoky kick or swap chicken liver for mushrooms if you prefer a lighter version. Mix in some diced tomatoes or hot sauce for added zest, or toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme for a unique flavor twist. What’s your secret ingredient or special technique? Share your favorite variations and let’s keep this Southern classic evolving together!

FAQs: Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe