Oh, let me tell you about the joy of cooking stuffed Cornish game hens! There’s something so special about preparing these little birds, especially when you’re celebrating a holiday or hosting a dinner party. They’re tender, flavorful, and just look so elegant on the table! The aroma that fills your kitchen while they roast is absolutely mouthwatering—trust me, it’ll have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which is a win-win. Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a festive feast, stuffed Cornish game hens bring a touch of warmth and deliciousness that makes any occasion feel extraordinary. You’re going to love how they turn out!
Ingredients List
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
How to Prepare Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s super important to get that oven nice and hot before the hens go in. While that’s heating up, rinse your Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get that perfect crispy texture! You can also season the inside with a little salt and pepper to boost the flavor from the get-go.
Make the Stuffing
Now, let’s make that delicious stuffing! In a medium pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in your diced onion and celery, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Once they’re ready, combine them in a bowl with the cooked rice, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. Give it a good stir until everything’s mixed together beautifully. You’ll love the colors and smells coming together!
Stuff the Hens
Time to stuff those hens! Carefully spoon the stuffing into each Cornish game hen, packing it in but don’t overfill—leave a little room for the stuffing to expand as it cooks. Tying the legs together with kitchen twine can help keep the stuffing inside, plus it looks adorable! Just remember, we want everything to cook evenly, so make sure the hens are sitting nicely in the roasting pan.
Roasting Instructions
Place your stuffed hens in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth over them—it adds moisture and flavor! Cover the pan tightly with foil to keep all that goodness in while they cook. Bake for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to let the skin crisp up and turn golden brown. You’ll want to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once they’re done, let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even more tender and juicy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely tender and juicy meat that practically falls off the bone.
- Flavor-packed stuffing with a delightful mix of cranberries and pecans.
- Perfect for special occasions like holidays, anniversaries, or family gatherings.
- Visually stunning presentation that impresses your guests.
- Easy to prepare yet feels gourmet—great for any home cook!
- Comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and gets everyone excited.
- Customizable stuffing options to suit your taste preferences.
Tips for Success
To make your stuffed Cornish game hens truly shine, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way. First, always ensure your hens are fully thawed before cooking—this helps them cook evenly and keeps the meat tender. I like to season the inside and outside generously with salt and pepper for that extra flavor kick. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the stuffing! You can swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous if you’re feeling adventurous, and throw in some herbs or spices you love. Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time; every oven is different, so using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they’re perfectly done at 165°F (74°C). Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying stuffed Cornish game hens, it’s good to know what you’re serving up! Here are the typical nutritional values per serving (1 hen). Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
This dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also packs a good amount of protein, making it a satisfying main course. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of rice?
Absolutely! You can swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous if you’re looking for something different. Just keep in mind that each grain has its unique texture and flavor. Quinoa adds a lovely nutty taste and is packed with protein, while couscous cooks up super fluffy and light. If you go with a flavored rice, like a wild rice blend, it can elevate the dish even more! Just make sure to adjust the liquid in your stuffing as needed, so it doesn’t turn out too dry.
How can I ensure the hens are cooked thoroughly?
To make sure your stuffed Cornish game hens are perfectly cooked, the best method is to use a meat thermometer. You’ll want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the stuffing itself. Remember, every oven is a bit different, so it’s good to check a little early to avoid overcooking. Also, let them rest for about 10 minutes after taking them out of the oven; this helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy and tender!
What sides pair well with stuffed cornish game hens?
Oh, there are so many delicious sides that complement stuffed Cornish game hens beautifully! I love serving them with roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, which add a lovely sweetness and crunch. A creamy garlic mashed potato or a tangy cranberry sauce can also elevate the dish perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, why not whip up a light salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette? It’s all about creating balance and bringing out those delightful flavors in the hens!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your stuffed Cornish game hens can be just as delicious the next day! To store, let the hens cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They should be kept in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the hens for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label them with the date so you know what’s what!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw the frozen hens overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, I recommend placing them in a baking dish, covering with foil to retain moisture, and warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. If you like, remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the skin again. This way, you’ll get that juicy, flavorful goodness back without drying them out—yum!
Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: 7 Steps to Pure Joy
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 2 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are tender and flavorful, perfect for special occasions.
Składniki
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in a pan and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- In a bowl, combine rice, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, pecans, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme.
- Stuff the mixture into the Cornish game hens.
- Place the hens in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Ensure the hens are fully thawed before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Can substitute rice with quinoa or couscous.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 1 hour
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Roasting
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 hen
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: stuffed cornish game hens, roasted hens, holiday recipes
