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Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens

Delicious Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens for Gatherings

This Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens recipe offers succulent flavors perfect for gatherings, merging tender meat with a vibrant apple-cranberry stuffing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 whole Cornish Hens The stars of the dish, offering tender, succulent meat.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with melted butter.
For the Stuffing
  • 1 cup Rice Use white or brown; wild rice adds nutty flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Butter Adds richness; margarine works as a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Sweetens when sautéed; shallots are a good alternative.
  • 1 large Apple Firm varieties like Granny Smith recommended.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Provides tartness; raisins are a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Fresh thyme can be used; adjust quantity.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Roasting pan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Stir in diced apple, dried cranberries, and 2 cups of cooked rice into the skillet. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow the stuffing to cool slightly.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water, pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over each hen, then season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Stuff the Cornish hens with the apple-cranberry rice stuffing, packing it lightly but completely. Place the stuffed hens on a roasting pan.
  5. Bake the prepared hens in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Carefully remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm with the stuffing spilling out.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven.

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