This **Bojangles’ Inspired Dirty Rice** is a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s full of savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and spices. It’s perfect as a side dish or hearty enough to stand on its own. This homemade version brings the delicious flavors of the Southern fast-food favorite right to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork sausage (spicy or mild)
– 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
– 1 celery stalk, finely diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. **Cook the Sausage:**
– In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until fully browned and cooked through, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. **Add the Rice and Seasonings:**
– Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet with the vegetables. Add the paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the rice in the seasonings.
4. **Add the Broth and Cook:**
– Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
5. **Combine the Sausage:**
– Once the rice is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove the bay leaf and garnish the rice with chopped green onions. Serve hot as a side dish or as a main course!
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Kcal:** 420 kcal per serving
**Servings:** 4 servings
Enjoy this **Bojangles’ Inspired Dirty Rice**, a spicy and savory dish that’s perfect for a comforting Southern meal!