Cajun Rice
Mostly gone. Popeyes confirmed in late January 2021 that Cajun Rice and Green Beans were off the permanent menu, citing guest feedback. The rice returned nationwide for a limited run in June 2022 for the chain's 50th anniversary, then left again, and no return has been announced since.
Last verified Nov 2, 2026
Popeyes' peppery rice side, on the menu by the company's account since the chain's first year, back when it was called Rice Dressing. In January 2021 it vanished from the permanent menu along with the green beans, and fans let the chain hear about it.
Filed under: Fast Food · the ’70s & earlier
📅 Timeline
- 1972Al Copeland opened the first Popeyes in New Orleans on June 12; the company says the rice side, then called Rice Dressing, was on the menu that first year.
- 2021In late January Popeyes confirmed on Twitter that Cajun Rice and Green Beans had been removed from the permanent menu, citing guest feedback.
- 2022On June 21 Cajun Rice returned nationwide for a limited time as part of the chain's 50th-anniversary celebration.
❓ People also ask
Why did Popeyes discontinue Cajun Rice?
Popeyes never gave a detailed reason. When it confirmed the removal in January 2021 it said only that it was acting on guest feedback to improve the menu, and it cut its green beans at the same time.
Is Popeyes Cajun Rice coming back?
It came back once, nationwide for a limited time from June 21, 2022, to mark Popeyes' 50th anniversary. No further return has been announced.
Is Cajun Rice the same as Popeyes red beans and rice?
No. Red Beans & Rice is a separate side, and it stayed on the menu when Cajun Rice was cut in 2021.
🧾 Sources
- KPRC Click2Houston, Popeyes removes two popular sides from its permanent menu (2021)
- The Takeout, Popeyes removes Cajun Rice from permanent menu (2021)
- Nation's Restaurant News, Popeyes celebrates 50th year with golden couples, deals (2022)
- The Takeout, Popeyes Brings Back Its Most Under-Appreciated Side Dish (2022)