Dirty Rice (No Pork Version)
Introduction
Dirty rice is a classic Southern comfort food, packed with bold spices, savory meat, and tender vegetables. Traditionally made with chicken livers or pork, this no-pork version keeps the rich, spiced flavor but uses lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter and more accessible take.
Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, dirty rice comes together in one pan with minimal fuss, delivering big Cajun-inspired flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet meal – fewer dishes, faster cleanup
- No pork, but still deeply savory and flavorful
- Made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Customizable heat level and ideal for leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1½ cups long grain white rice, cooked
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~370 kcal per serving
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey (or chicken) and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no longer pink.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5–6 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Season
- Sprinkle in paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt.
- Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
- Add the cooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the broth absorb and flavors meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and stir in chopped green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Serve warm as a main course or a hearty side dish.
Tips for Success
- Use cold, cooked rice for the best texture—it won’t clump or get mushy.
- Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for added fiber.
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra bulk and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your dirty rice with:
- Roasted vegetables or grilled corn
- A fresh salad or Irish Pea Salad
- Grilled chicken, spicy sausage (if not avoiding pork), or fried tofu
- Wash it down with Blueberry Lemonade
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: In the microwave or skillet with a splash of broth to moisten
- Freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month
More Recipes You Will Love
- Savory Steak with Roasted Potatoes
- Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp Pasta
- Crockpot Nacho Dip
- Chicken Enchiladas
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
Final Thoughts
This no-pork dirty rice is everything a good comfort meal should be: bold, hearty, and ready fast. It delivers all the flavor of the Southern classic without the pork, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions—or anyone who just loves a good rice dish. Great for busy nights or flavorful meal prep, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll make on repeat.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and show us your skillet creation. For more easy, flavor-packed recipes, follow Jason Griffith and the ChefManiac kitchen.
