It was the first time I was hosting Thanksgiving dinner for my family, and I was determined to make it extra special. As I scoured the internet for the perfect recipe, I stumbled upon this Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing, and I just knew I had to try it. The idea of tender, juicy Cornish hens paired with a sweet and savory stuffing had my mouth watering.
I’ll never forget the look on my family’s faces when I brought those beautifully golden Cornish hens to the table, the apple-cranberry rice stuffing peeking out from the cavities. The aroma was simply intoxicating, and everyone couldn’t wait to dive in. As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I knew this dish would become a new Thanksgiving tradition.
Why This Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
The secret to this Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing recipe is in the layers of flavor and the perfect balance of textures. The Cornish hens are seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and dried thyme, allowing their natural delicate flavor to shine. But the real star of the show is the apple-cranberry rice stuffing.
By combining cooked wild rice, diced apple, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley, you create a stuffing that is bursting with sweetness, tartness, and herbal notes. The melted butter and thyme tie everything together, making each bite a symphony of flavors. The key is to stuff the hens just before roasting, so the juices from the meat infuse the stuffing, creating a truly remarkable dish.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 Cornish hens, rinsed and patted dry: These small, succulent birds are the perfect vessel for the delicious stuffing. Their compact size makes them easy to cook and serve.
- 2 cups cooked wild rice: The nutty, earthy flavor of wild rice complements the sweet-tart filling beautifully.
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced: The diced apple adds a lovely sweetness and texture to the stuffing.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: The tart cranberries provide a lovely contrast to the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the stuffing and adds a lovely herbal note.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps bind the stuffing together and ensures it stays moist.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Dried thyme is the perfect seasoning for this dish, adding depth and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A bit of black pepper adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Instructions
Preparing Your Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 55 minutes, this Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. To get started, you’ll need a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a sharp knife.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the Cornish hens under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the skin get nice and crispy in the oven.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, melted butter, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3- Carefully spoon the apple-cranberry rice stuffing into the cavities of the Cornish hens, being careful not to overstuff them. Gently pack the stuffing in, but leave a bit of room for expansion.
4- Place the stuffed Cornish hens on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart. As the hens roast, the juices will mingle with the stuffing, creating a mouthwatering flavor.
5- Roast the Cornish hens in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
6- Remove the Cornish hens from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Serve the hens on a platter, spooning any extra stuffing around them. Enjoy this delightful Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing dish!
Pro Tips for Success
1- To ensure even cooking, make sure to pat the Cornish hens dry before roasting. This will help the skin get nice and crispy.
2- Adjust the amount of stuffing to fit the size of your Cornish hens. You want just enough to fill the cavities without overstuffing them.
3- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens. This will ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.
4- Let the Cornish hens rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Serving and Storing Your Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
Perfect Pairings for Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
This Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing recipe serves 4 people, making it a wonderful centerpiece for a special dinner or holiday gathering. To complete the meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad. For a touch of elegance, pair it with a crisp white wine or a light and fruity red.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers from your Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the hens and stuffing in a baking dish and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
You can also make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the stuffing and stuff the Cornish hens up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. On the day of, simply roast the hens as directed. This makes this recipe an excellent choice for busy weeknights or holiday meal prep.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
Creative Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Variations
- Swap the wild rice for quinoa or brown rice for a different texture.
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the stuffing for a crunchy contrast.
- Use a combination of apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for a mix of sweetness and tartness.
- Experiment with different dried fruits, like figs or apricots, in place of the cranberries.
Making Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit the breadcrumbs altogether. You can also substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, like olive oil or coconut oil, to make this dish vegan-friendly. For a low-carb adaptation, replace the wild rice with cauliflower rice or reduce the amount of rice used in the stuffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the Cornish hens with chicken?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of Cornish hens. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken may require slightly less time in the oven.
Q: How long does it take to cook the Cornish hens with the stuffing?
A: The total time for this Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing recipe is 70 minutes, with a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 55 minutes.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the Cornish hens up to 1 day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing recipe serves 4 people.
Q: What should I do if the stuffing isn’t cooked through?
A: If the stuffing isn’t cooked through after the recommended baking time, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the stuffing reads 165°F (75°C).
Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender and juicy Cornish hens are stuffed with a delightful mixture of apple, cranberry, and savory rice for an elegant and comforting main dish.
Ingredients
– 4 Cornish hens, rinsed and patted dry
– 2 cups cooked wild rice
– 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice, apple, cranberries, parsley, melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Carefully stuff each Cornish hen with the rice mixture, being sure not to overstuff.
4. Place the stuffed hens in a large roasting pan or baking dish.
5. Roast the hens for 55-60 minutes, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Allow the hens to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a heartier dish, serve the Cornish hens with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Chicken, Beef & Pork
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing recipe is a true showstopper that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of tender, juicy Cornish hens and the sweet-savory stuffing is nothing short of exceptional. With its easy preparation and impressive presentation, this dish is perfect for any special occasion, from Thanksgiving to a cozy Sunday dinner.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same joy and delight that my family did. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and photos in the comments – I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
