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Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Delicious Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

A delightful Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing recipe that transforms dinner into a gourmet experience.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 whole Cornish Hens Small chickens or game hens can be used as substitutes.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Melted butter works as an alternative.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Stuffing
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice White, wild, or brown rice can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Use unsalted for better control of seasoning.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
  • 1 medium Apple Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Can substitute with dried cherries or raisins.
  • to taste Thyme Fresh is best but dried can work.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts Pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • Alternative Fruits Pears or apricots can be used for variation.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion with diced apple, dried cranberries, and cooked rice. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow to cool completely.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease roasting pan with olive oil.
  4. Rinse and pat dry Cornish hens. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Stuff each Cornish hen with apple-cranberry rice stuffing, pressing gently to pack it in, without overstuffing.
  6. Place the stuffed Cornish hens in the roasting pan, breast side up. Roast for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  7. Let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, let the stuffing and hens cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing leftovers.

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