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Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 pieces Cornish Hens Substitute with small chickens if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use flavored oils for extra depth.
For the Stuffing
  • 1 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 Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Roasting pan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet, then sauté chopped onions for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Stir in diced apples, dried cranberries, rice, thyme, salt, and pepper into the sautéed onions and mix thoroughly. Allow to cool slightly.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
  4. Rinse Cornish hens under cold water, pat dry, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Carefully stuff each hen with the apple-cranberry rice stuffing using a spoon, packing gently.
  6. Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan, and roast for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  7. 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

Notes

Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe eating. Avoid overstuffing to prevent burning. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor significantly.

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