Copycat Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe (Easy Homemade Version)

Craving the famous Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl but don’t have a Bojangles nearby? This easy copycat Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl recipe layers Cajun-spiced dirty rice, crispy fried chicken bites, melty cheddar cheese, and a generous drizzle of tangy Bo Sauce into one seriously satisfying bowl. It tastes just like the drive-thru favorite, and you can have it on the table in about 30 minutes.

If you’ve been searching for what’s actually in the Bojangles bowl, or how to make one at home, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through every layer, share my air fryer shortcut for the chicken, and give you all my tips for getting that authentic Bojangles flavor.

If you love Bojangles as much as I do, be sure to also try my Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe, Bojangles French Fry Seasoning, and Easy Bojangles Mac and Cheese.

What Is the Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl?

The Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl is one of the chain’s most popular menu items, and for good reason. It takes two of the best things on the Bojangles menu, their signature Cajun dirty rice and their crispy chicken, and stacks them together in a single hearty bowl. It’s finished with shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of Bo’s Special Sauce, which ties everything together with a creamy, tangy kick.

It’s basically a Southern comfort-food bowl: savory, spicy, cheesy, and filling. And once you see how simple the layers are, you’ll realize it’s incredibly easy to recreate in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Bojangles Bowl

• Tastes just like the real thing. Cajun dirty rice, crispy chicken, cheddar, and Bo Sauce, exactly like the menu version.
• Ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Made with simple ingredients. Nothing fancy, just pantry spices and everyday groceries.
• Air fryer friendly. Crisp up the chicken in the air fryer for less oil and less mess.
• Great for meal prep. The rice and chicken reheat beautifully.
• Customizable. Make it extra spicy, swap the protein, or load it up with toppings.

Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to build your bowl. The full measurements are in the recipe card below.

For the Cajun Dirty Rice

• Long-grain white rice – The base of the bowl. Long-grain stays fluffy and doesn’t get sticky.
• Ground beef and ground pork sausage – This combo gives dirty rice its signature savory, meaty flavor.
• Onion, bell pepper, and celery – The “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking.
• Garlic – Fresh is best.
• Chicken broth – Adds richness and flavor as the rice cooks.
• Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt – The spice blend that makes it taste like Bojangles.

Shortcut: If you already have a batch of my Easy Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe made, use it here and skip straight to the chicken.

For the Crispy Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces. (You can also use the coating from my Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe if you already have it memorized.)
• Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch – The cornstarch is the secret to an extra-crispy crust.
• Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper – Bojangles-style seasoning for the coating. My Bojangles French Fry Seasoning works great here too.
• Oil for frying – Or a light spray of oil if you’re using the air fryer.

For Assembly

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Melts right into the hot rice.
• Bo Sauce – Use my Bojangles Bo Sauce recipe. This is what makes it taste authentic.
• Optional toppings – Sliced green onions, extra cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce.

How to Make a Copycat Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Brown the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2: While the rice cooks, toss the chicken pieces in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and Cajun seasoning. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).

Step 3: Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a shallow bowl. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing so the coating sticks. For an extra-crunchy crust, dip back into the buttermilk and dredge a second time.

Step 4: Stovetop: Heat 1 inch of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal). Drain on a wire rack. Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the coated chicken generously with oil, then air fry in a single layer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Step 5: Divide the hot dirty rice between bowls. Top with the crispy chicken, a handful of shredded cheddar, and a generous drizzle of Bo Sauce. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is melty.

Tips for the Best Bojangles Rice Bowl

• Use the cornstarch. It’s the difference between a good crust and a Bojangles-level crunch.
• Don’t skip the double dredge. A second coat of flour gives you those craggy, crispy bits.
• Keep the rice hot. The heat from the rice melts the cheese and warms the sauce. Assemble right before serving.
• Season the rice boldly. Bojangles dirty rice has a real kick. Taste and add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne if it’s too mild.
• Make the Bo Sauce ahead. It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Bojangles bowl: Add extra cayenne to the chicken coating and a dash of hot sauce on top.
• Chicken tenders bowl: Swap the chicken bites for chopped Air Fryer Copycat Bojangles Chicken Tenders.
• Grilled chicken bowl: For a lighter version, use grilled Cajun-seasoned chicken instead of fried.
• Turkey dirty rice: Use ground turkey in place of beef and pork.
• Extra toppings: Try diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or a spoonful of my Easy Bojangles Honey Mustard instead of Bo Sauce.

What to Serve With It

This bowl is a full meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a side of Copycat Homemade Bojangles Biscuits, Bojangles Green Beans, or Easy Bojangles Mac and Cheese. Add a side of Bojangles BBQ Sauce for extra dipping.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store the rice, chicken, and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheating rice: Microwave with a splash of water or broth until hot.
• Reheating chicken: Air fry at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back the crunch. Avoid the microwave, which makes the coating soggy.
• Freezer: The dirty rice freezes well for up to 3 months. The fried chicken is best fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in the Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl?

The Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl is made with their Cajun dirty rice, crispy chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bo’s Special Sauce. This copycat recipe includes all four layers.

Is the Bojangles bowl spicy?

It has a mild-to-medium Cajun kick from the dirty rice and seasoning. You can easily adjust the heat in this homemade version by adding more or less cayenne.

Can I make this bowl in the air fryer?

Yes. The chicken crisps up beautifully in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. The dirty rice is made on the stovetop.

Can I use leftover dirty rice?

Absolutely. This is one of the best ways to use leftover dirty rice. Just reheat it and assemble your bowl.

How many calories are in a Bojangles Chicken Rice Bowl?

The restaurant version is around 700 to 800 calories depending on the size. This homemade version will vary based on your portion size and whether you fry or air fry the chicken.

More Copycat Bojangles Recipes You’ll Love

• Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe {Copycat}
• Easy Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe (The Ultimate Copycat!)
• Bojangles Bo Sauce
• Easy Bojangles Bo’s Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Air Fryer Copycat Bojangles Chicken Tenders
• Copycat Homemade Bojangles Biscuits Recipe
• Easy Bojangles Honey Mustard Recipe
• Bojangles French Fry Seasoning Recipe