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Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Savory Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Bliss

Delightful Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing, perfect for gatherings and gluten-free friendly.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion Yellow or white onion works well.
  • 1 cup Chopped Celery Can swap with diced bell pepper.
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans Consider almonds or walnuts as substitutes.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Sage Use less if substituting with dried sage.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Dry thyme can also work.
  • 3 cups Cooked Rice (Royal Blend) Substitute with wild rice or gluten-free blend.
  • 2 cups Diced Fuji Apples Other apple varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp can be used.
  • 1 cup Sweetened Dried Cranberries Raisins or chopped dates are alternatives.
  • 1 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley Can replace with additional herbs like thyme.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Use sea salt or table salt in equal amounts.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Apple juice can be a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Maple Syrup Honey can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Nutmeg can be swapped.
For the Hens

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Roasting Rack
  • roasting pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by melting unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in chopped pecans, fresh sage, and fresh thyme, letting the mixture cook until fragrant, around 2 minutes. Fold in cooked rice, diced Fuji apples, sweetened dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, and set the stuffing aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider and maple syrup over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until it thickens and becomes syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard and ground cinnamon, mixing well to combine. Remove from heat and set the glaze aside while you prepare the Cornish hens for roasting.
  3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take the Cornish hens from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the cavities generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Stuff each hen loosely with the apple-cranberry rice stuffing, taking care not to overpack them. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings underneath the body for even roasting.
  4. Place the stuffed Cornish hens breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Brush the tops with melted unsalted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the skin starts to turn golden brown and crisp.
  5. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting the hens for an additional 40-50 minutes. Every 10 minutes during the last 30 minutes, use a basting brush to glaze the hens with your prepared apple-cider mixture. Aim for 180°F at the thickest part of the meat to ensure doneness.
  6. Once the Cornish hens reach the appropriate internal temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. Carefully snip the twine and arrange the hens on a large platter for an elegant presentation. Serve warm, complemented by any remaining apple-cranberry rice stuffing on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This recipe can easily be customized for diverse tastes and dietary needs. Prepare the stuffing a day in advance for convenience.

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