Justin Wilson’s Chili Rice

Dis is a delightful dish. You can serve it by itself or with a good gravy or gumbo. It is so easy to fix, I garontee!

We have another amazing recipe from Mr. Justin Wilson! Let’s cook up some of his Chili Rice, the base of many of his classic Cajun dishes!

Justin Says

Dis is a delightful dish. You can serve it by itself or with a good gravy or gumbo. It is so easy to fix, I garontee!

What is Justin Wilson’s Chili Rice?

Justin Wilson’s Chili Rice is a no-fuss, full-flavor Southern side dish that turns everyday rice into something special. With bold chili powder, garlic, onion, and just the right amount of salt, this dish simmers low and slow for maximum flavor and tenderness. The olive oil trick keeps the pot from boiling over.

What to serve with Justin Wilson’s Chili Rice?

This is a basic rice recipe packed with savory flavor. The addition of chili powder provides a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, stews, or any Cajun-inspired main dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this rice recipe brings the taste of the bayou to your table. Here are a few things that pair well with Justin Wilson’s Chili Rice:

  • Hearty Main Dishes: Smothered pork chops, blackened chicken or fish, beef brisket or roast, and sausage with peppers and onions
  • Vegetable Sides: Collard greens or mustard greens, Cajun-style beans, or okra and tomatoes
  • Toppings or Add-ons: Chopped scallions or parsley, hot sauce, and/or sautéed bell peppers

———

Justin Wilson’s Chili Rice

This simple, flavorful rice dish is seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and onion for a bold Cajun kick. It’s perfect as a side or a hearty base for your favorite Southern meals.

SERVINGS: 4-6

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 1 hour

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 Tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon of chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 Tablespoons of olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place all the ingredients except the oil in a large pot and cover with water to come up to the first joint of your middle finger.
  2. Pour the oil over the top to help keep the water from boiling over.
  3. Bring to a boil and boil until most of the water is gone. Put the lid on the pot and reduce the fire to the lowest heat.
  4. Cook until the rice is tender (about 45 minutes).

———

Justin Wilson’s videos are brought to you by Lehman’s On the Square. Cook along with Justin Wilson every Saturday at 4:30 pm ET only on RFD-TV!

Related Stories
Tender beef shanks slow-baked with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a wine-spiked Cajun sauce—sealed in a cooking bag to lock in every bit of bold, savory flavor.
Justin Wilson’s Peanut Butter Baked Beef Brisket is a rich, tender roast slow-baked with a savory peanut butter sauce. You’ll love this bold twist on classic braised brisket, garontee!
Justin Wilson’s Apple Cobbler is pure Southern comfort—sweet, spiced, pecan-crusted, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’ll knock your socks off, I garontee!
This quirky twist on Southern potato salad (without potatoes) skips the spuds but keeps all the flavor! You’ll love this classic Justin Wilson recipe.
Cooked low and slow with wine, garlic, and just enough cayenne to make ya sweat a little—I gar-on-tee Justin Wilson’s Crawfish Maque Choux recipe will have you comin’ back for seconds (and thirds)!
Stuffed with garlic, peppers, and good ol’ Cajun flavor, this pork roast is so tender it’ll fall off the bone before you can say, “I gar-on-tee!”
Justin Wilson’s Shrimp and Macaroni Casserole features bold, Cajun spice and big flavors—you’ll love this easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Slow-simmered Cajun beans cooked in corned beef stock for rich, Southern flavor—just like Justin Wilson used to make.
A rich, flavorful stock made by simmering corned beef with Cajun seasonings. Justin Wilson’s Eazy Corned Beef Stock recipe adds depth to beans, stews, and classic Southern dishes.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.