In a whirlwind of flavors and aromas, the kitchen transforms into a cozy haven as I prepare to cook Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of tender hen paired with a delightful mix of sweet tartness from cranberries and the satisfying crunch of fresh apples. Perfect for both intimate family gatherings and elegant dinner parties, this recipe offers the dual delights of being easy to whip up and impressive enough to wow your guests. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special centerpiece for a celebration, these little hens provide an unforgettable dining experience. Curious about how to make this comforting dish the star of your dinner table? Let’s dive in! Why Choose Cornish Hens Tonight? Elegant presentation: Cornish hens make any dinner feel extraordinary, providing a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests. Bursting with flavor: Apple and cranberry stuffing offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Quick preparation: With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected dinner guests. Versatile options: Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorites, like adding nuts or swapping rice for quinoa, giving you endless creative choices. Hearty and satisfying: This meal is not only delicious but also nourishing, giving you the protein and fiber needed for a well-rounded dinner. For more delightful meal options, check out my recipe for Salmon Avocado Rice or my Crispy Salmon Bites with Zesty Dip. Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing For the Hens • Cornish Hens – The star of the dish, providing tenderness and flavor; substitute with small chickens if needed. • Olive Oil – Essential for enhancing browning; feel free to use flavored oils for extra depth. For the Stuffing • Rice – The base that absorbs flavors; use brown or wild rice for a nuttier profile. • Onion – Adds a natural sweetness and depth; don’t skimp on this key ingredient! • Apple – Brings a crisp sweetness; choose firm varieties like Granny Smith for the best texture. • Dried Cranberries – Offers a sweet-tart burst; you can swap with raisins or currants for a change. • Butter – For sautéing the onions and enriching the stuffing; olive oil is a great alternative for a lighter option. • Thyme – Elevates the stuffing with its aromatic flavor; fresh thyme can be even more vibrant. • Salt and Pepper – The basic seasoning needed to highlight all those wonderful flavors. This delicious Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing is a standout choice for your next gathering or family meal. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Step 1: Sauté Onions In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant, enhancing the foundation of your delicious Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing. Step 2: Combine Ingredients Stir in diced apples, dried cranberries, cooked rice, thyme, salt, and pepper into the sautéed onions. Mix thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are well coated. Allow this delightful stuffing mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the Cornish hens. Step 3: Preheat Oven Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and nicely browned Cornish hens. As the oven warms up, you can finalize the preparations for the hens to get everything ready for roasting. Step 4: Prepare Hens Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub the skins generously with olive oil, seasoning them with salt and pepper. This will ensure a crisp, flavorful exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy meat and sweet stuffing. Step 5: Stuff Hens Carefully fill each Cornish hen’s cavity with your apple-cranberry rice stuffing using a spoon. Pack the stuffing gently but firmly, making sure not to overstuff, as it needs room to expand while cooking. This will create a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. Step 6: Bake Place the stuffed Cornish hens in a roasting pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Slide them into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You’ll know they are done when the skin is golden brown and juices run clear. Step 7: Rest and Serve Once cooked, remove the Cornish hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite of your Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing is succulent and full of flavor. Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Variations Feel free to make this delightful dish your own by experimenting with these variations! Quinoa Substitute: Swap rice for quinoa for a nuttier, gluten-free option that’s just as satisfying. Fruit Twist: Try using figs or apricots instead of cranberries to add a different layer of sweetness and depth. Nutty Boost: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the rice. Herbed Delight: Fresh herbs like parsley or sage can elevate your stuffing, introducing aromatic flair and freshness to each bite. Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the stuffing mixture. Veggie Power: Incorporate finely chopped carrots or celery for added texture and flavor, giving your stuffing that hearty feel. Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika can provide a unique twist and a smoky depth to the flavor profile of the dish. These variations not only enhance the recipe but also allow you to personalize it to fit your taste or dietary preferences. For more delicious meal ideas, check out my Shrimp Rice Bowls for a flavorful twist or my Crispy Salmon Bites with Zesty Dip for a delightful appetizer to impress your guests! Make Ahead Options These Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to ease the stress of busy weeknights! You can prepare the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the sautéed onions, diced apples, dried cranberries, and cooked rice, then refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For the hens, you can rub them with olive oil and seasonings up to 3 days ahead of time—just keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, stuff the hens with the chilled mixture and roast them in the oven for about 1 hour. This method ensures your dish remains just as delicious while saving you valuable time! What to Serve with Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Pair your delicious Cornish hens with satisfying sides and beverages that complement their flavors beautifully. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes enhances the savory notes of the hens, making every bite feel indulgent. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts add a delightful crunch, balancing the soft texture of the hens and stuffing perfectly. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, making them a great contrast. Garlic Bread: Golden, toasted garlic bread provides a delightful crunch and makes for a perfect vessel to soak up any delicious juices from the hens. Light Green Salad: A crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing brightens the meal and offers a refreshing juxtaposition to the rich stuffing. Choose mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta for an elegant touch. Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp brings the flavors full circle, echoing the apple in your stuffing while providing a warm, comforting finish. Cranberry Juice Cocktail: A chilled cranberry juice cocktail serves as a refreshing drink option that complements the sweetness of the dried cranberries in your stuffing. Herb-Infused Rice: Serve a side of herb-infused rice to harmonize the flavors without overpowering the dish. The aromatic herbs will elevate the entire meal. Sparkling Wine: For those special occasions, a bubbly sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the hens, adding a celebratory touch to your dinner. Expert Tips for Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the hens and stuffing reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Avoid Overstuffing: Gently fill the hens with stuffing, leaving some room for the contents to expand during cooking. This prevents the stuffing from overflowing and burning. Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh thyme or sage into your stuffing can elevate the flavor, adding aromatic and vibrant notes to your Cornish hens. Sear First: For a deeper flavor, consider browning the hens in a skillet before baking. This creates a beautiful crust and enhances the overall taste. Customize Stuffing: Feel free to experiment with your stuffing—try adding chopped nuts or swapping dried cranberries for figs or apricots for unique flavor profiles. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed hens a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll be ready for baking when you need an easy yet impressive meal! Storage Tips for Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Fridge: Store cooked Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their flavor and moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stuffed hens wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Reheating: Reheat the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the stuffing is also warmed. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the hens a day in advance, then keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Enjoy the convenience of a ready-to-cook Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing for your next meal! Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right Cornish hens? Absolutely! When selecting Cornish hens, look for those labeled as “young” for the most tenderness. They should feel firm and have a light golden color; avoid any with dark spots all over, as this indicates they might be past their prime. Additionally, opt for hens that are plump with a good amount of weight for their size for the best flavor. What’s the best way to store leftover Cornish hens? Very! Store your cooked Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they cool down to room temperature before sealing them. To keep them longer, consider freezing—this can extend their life up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Can I freeze the stuffing before cooking? Absolutely! To freeze your apple-cranberry rice stuffing, cool it completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Lay it flat to save space and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then stuff your Cornish hens before baking. What should I do if the stuffing doesn’t reach a safe temperature? Absolutely! If your stuffing hasn’t reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), continue baking until it does. Putting a meat thermometer through the center of the stuffing can help ensure accurate readings. If the hens are cooking faster than the stuffing, cover the hens loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the stuffing finishes cooking. Are there any allergies I should be aware of when making this dish? Very! The main allergens in this recipe are likely to be the dairy from butter and possibly gluten in the rice, depending on the type used. For gluten-free diets, consider substituting with quinoa and using dairy-free margarine or olive oil for sautéing. Keep in mind any personal preferences or allergies of your guests, and feel free to adapt the stuffing as needed. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the Cornish hens stuffed with apple-cranberry rice stuffing the day before your meal. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This way, you’ll have a delicious and impressive centerpiece without the morning rush! Savory Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Delight This Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing combines tender hens with a sweet and savory stuffing for an unforgettable dinner experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Hens2 pieces Cornish Hens Substitute with small chickens if needed.2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use flavored oils for extra depth.For the Stuffing1 cup Rice Use brown or wild rice for a nuttier profile.1 medium Onion Adds natural sweetness.1 medium Apple Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith.1 cup Dried Cranberries Swap with raisins or currants for a change.1/4 cup Butter For sautéing the onions.1 teaspoon Thyme Fresh thyme can be more vibrant.to taste Saltto taste Pepper Equipment skilletRoasting panmeat thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsMelt butter over medium heat in a skillet, then sauté chopped onions for about 5 minutes until translucent.Stir in diced apples, dried cranberries, rice, thyme, salt, and pepper into the sautéed onions and mix thoroughly. Allow to cool slightly.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.Rinse Cornish hens under cold water, pat dry, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.Carefully stuff each hen with the apple-cranberry rice stuffing using a spoon, packing gently.Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan, and roast for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).Remove from the oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg NotesCheck temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe eating. Avoid overstuffing to prevent burning. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor significantly. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
