Popeyes Cajun Rice | Price, Recipe & Review | 2025

Cajun Rice - Side Menu Item
$2.49
4.5 Rating (40 Reviews)

If you are a fan of adventurous Southern flavours, then Popeyes Cajun Rice is a side dish you won’t want to miss in 2025. It is famous for its enriching, sharp taste and perfectly seasoned balance of meat and rice. This popular dish is back on the menu and making people happy and satisfied all over the country. Whether you are interested in its allergen information, calorie count, or how to recreate it at home, this detailed article on Cajun Rice provides everything you need. It includes pricing, nutrition, and an honest review. Let us dig into what makes this side dish so special once again.

Cajun Rice – Review

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Calories

If you enjoy appetising comfort food, Popeyes Cajun Rice is a must-try. So, how does it stack up in terms of calories? Let us understand.

A regular serving of Cajun Rice, which is approximately 146g, typically contains the following calories:

  • Calories: 280
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g

These numbers are approximate and may differ slightly depending on location and portion size. Popeyes Cajun Rice is hearty, flavorful, and filling; however, like many other fast food sides, it is recommended to enjoy it in moderation, especially when you are watching your calorie intake.

Check also: Popeyes Premium Strawberry Lemonade

Popeyes Cajun Rice Allergens

It is important to understand potential allergens in Cajun Rice for those with health issues and related dietary restrictions. The dish includes several ingredients that may cause allergies, so it is vital to review this section before ordering.

Common allergens present in Cajun Rice may include these:

  • Milk/Dairy
  • Soy
  • Celery and spices (may vary by region)
  • Wheat (Gluten)

Popeyes’ kitchens are not allergen-free areas; thus, cross-contamination is always possible there. If you have a severe allergy, it is recommended to consult your local Popeyes manager or visit the Popeyes website for the most up-to-date allergen information. If, for any reason, these resources are not accessible, please avoid Cajun Rice altogether.

Read also: Does Popeyes Use Beef Tallow?

Cajun Rice Nutrition

Following is a detailed breakdown of Popeyes Cajun Rice’s nutrition profile (for each serving):

Nutrient

Amount

Calories

280

Saturated Fat

4.5 g

Total Fat

14 g

Cholesterol

25 mg

Trans Fat

0 g

Total Carbohydrates

32 g

Sodium

690 mg

Sugars

1 g

Dietary Fiber

2 g

Protein

7 g

Nutritional Highlights

  • The rice enhances the flavour, primarily due to the beef mixture and its accompanying seasoning.
  • For a side dish, it provides a good amount of protein.
  • Like other fast-food items, it is also high in sodium.
  • It is neither low-carb nor low-fat, but it still fits into a balanced meal when paired with vegetables and leaner proteins.

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Popeyes Cajun Rice Recipe

Are you unable to find Cajun Rice at your local Popeyes? Or not in the mood to go outside? No worries! Although Popeyes temporarily removed Cajun Rice from multiple locations, you can recreate the flavour bomb at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make a delicious, same version of Popeyes Cajun Rice:

  • Ground Beef – ½ pound
  • White Rice (long-grain) – 1 cup
  • Finely Chopped Onion – ¼ cup
  • Finely Chopped Celery – ¼ cup
  • Black Pepper – ½ Tsp
  • Salt – ½ Tsp
  • Garlic Powder – 2 Tsp
  • Cayenne Pepper – ½ Tsp
  • Paprika – 1 Tsp
  • Thyme – ½ Tsp
  • Beef Broth – 2 cups
  • Worcestershire Sauce – 1 Tbsp
  • Soy Sauce – 1 Tbsp
  • Butter or Oil – 1 Tbsp

Preparation

Following is the recipe to recreate Cajun Rice:

  1. Cooking the Rice: Instead of water, start cooking your rice in chicken or beef broth. This enriches the flavour and adds depth to the aroma. Once done, set the rice aside.
  2. Preparing the Meat Mixture: Heat butter or oil in a skillet, then add the ground meat. Cook the beef until browned, and then break it into fine pieces to achieve a Popeyes-style texture.
  3. Adding Spices & Vegetables: Now add in chopped Onion and Celery and sauté until softened. Now, it is time to stir in all the seasonings, including garlic powder, paprika, pepper, thyme, cayenne, and salt.
  4. Combining and Simmering: Add Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, and mix well. Let everything simmer for a while to allow the flavours to deepen.
  5. Mixing both Meat and Rice: Now add your meat mixture to the cooked rice and stir thoroughly. For about 5-7 minutes, cook on low heat, allowing everything to blend perfectly.
  6. Serving Hot Cajun Rice: Cajun Rice is ready to serve on its own or as a side with tenders, fried chicken. Just fluff with a fork and tada! Enjoy the warmth of Cajun Rice.
cooking steps of Cajun Rice
Infographic showing cooking steps of cajun rice

Read also: Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich Deluxe

Popeyes Cajun Rice Review

In 2025, Cajun Rice made a welcome return to online ordering menus and select locations, sparking excitement among its loyal fans.

Flavor

Popeyes Cajun Rice is liked for its earthy and adventurous seasoning, which is a perfect balance of umami and spice. It is fluffy in texture and features slightly crunchy bits of meat, making the experience satisfying.

Portion Size

For a side dish, the standard serving is more than enough. It is filling enough to pair with lighter mains and is mostly shared between two people.

Availability

Earlier, Popeyes removed Cajun Rice from its menu for a short time, but, due to high demand in specific locations, it has reappeared as a seasonal offering. In 2025, Cajun Rice became more accessible, primarily through mobile apps and special deals, making it affordable for the masses, too.

Price

For Regular size, it costs approximately $2.49, and it is about ~$4.49 for large size. Prices can also vary slightly due to promotions, taxes, and location.

Customer Response

Feedback stays significantly positive. Fans define it as “nostalgic,” “soul-warming,” and “the perfect comfort side.”

Check also: Popeyes Voodoo Chicken Sandwich

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions


Due to menu streamlining, Popeyes temporarily removed it, but it was reintroduced in select markets and promoted through various offers.

No, the actual recipe contains ground beef, making it unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.

Yes! You can use mushrooms or plant-based crumbles to add a vegetarian twist.

It has a mild kick from the Cajun spices but is not extremely hot. You can alter the cayenne in a homemade version to your taste.

Not entirely, the soy/Worcestershire sauces and seasonings may include gluten. Also, cross-contamination is another concern in Popeyes’ kitchen. Therefore, always check with your local restaurant staff or their online website for the most up-to-date information on allergens.

It is pretty versatile; it can be paired well with shrimps, fried chicken, tenders, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or even by itself.

Although no official announcement has been made to label the return as “permanent,” Popeyes has made it more consistently available throughout 2025 in many areas, as well as through online orders. While it is still available, enjoy it to the fullest.

Conclusion

Popeyes Cajun Rice is more than just a side dish; it is a comfort food classically inspired by the South. Due to its richness, bold Cajun seasoning, meaty base, and lingering aroma, it delivers satisfaction in every bite. Whether you are whipping it up in your kitchen or picking it up from your local Popeyes, Cajun Rice remains a delicious addition to any meal.

In 2025, its semi-comeback has made its loyal fans happy. With the easy recipe above, you can make it at home even when it’s not accessible for any reason. Whether you’re looking at your calories or simply craving something hearty, Popeyes Cajun Rice hits the spot. Head to your nearest Popeyes restaurant or try the homemade version and bring some Louisiana flavour straight to your table!

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