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Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Savory Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Delight

A delightful recipe featuring Cornish hens stuffed with apple-cranberry rice, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 pieces Cornish Hens Substitution: Use small chickens or game hens if Cornish hens are unavailable; adjust cook time.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Substitution: Olive oil can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • to taste Salt Season to taste before stuffing for the best results.
  • to taste Pepper Season to taste before stuffing for the best results.
For the Stuffing
  • 1 piece Onion Note: Sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
  • 1 piece Apple Substitution: Any firm, sweet-tart apple variety can be used.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Substitution: Use raisins if cranberries are unavailable.
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice Note: Consider using wild rice or brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Substitution: Other herbs like rosemary could work but adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • roasting pan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Once the onions are perfectly sautéed, stir in 1 diced apple, 1 cup of dried cranberries, 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and allow the stuffing to cool slightly.
  3. While the stuffing cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Rinse 2 Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle each hen with olive oil, then generously season both the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
  5. Carefully fill the cavity of each Cornish hen with the apple-cranberry rice stuffing mixture, packing it gently but not overly tight.
  6. Place the stuffed Cornish hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftover Cornish hens in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

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