Herb-Infused Cornish Hens with Savory Apple-Rosemary Stuffing
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Herb-Infused Cornish Hens stuffed with a savory apple and rosemary filling. This elegant dish features tender, juicy hens marinated in a fragrant herb mixture, complemented by a delicious stuffing that includes fresh vegetables and sweet apples. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, these hens are not just a meal; they're a culinary experience that will impress your guests and warm your heart. Share this flavorful dish with loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
4
Servings
675
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
4 (Cleaned and patted dry)
Fresh basil
2 sprigs (Chopped)
Fresh rosemary
4 sprigs (Chopped (2 for marinade, 2 for stuffing))
Fresh thyme
2 sprigs (Chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (Diced (1/2 for marinade, 1/2 for stuffing))
Unsalted butter
3/4 cup (Melted (1/4 cup for stuffing and 1/2 cup for flavor))
Extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces (For marinade)
Fresh diced red peppers
2 tablespoons (Diced)
Jona Gold apples
4 (Sliced or diced)
Butter & herbed croutons
1 (8 ounce) bag (For stuffing)
Vidalia onion
1 small (Finely chopped)
Scallion
1/4 cup (Chopped into 1-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the Cornish hens under cold running water, ensuring they are free of any residual feathers or impurities.
2
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary. Coat the hens well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into the meat.
3
3. While the hens are marinating, prepare the stuffing. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and red peppers. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the butter & herbed croutons, diced apples, and chopped scallions. Mix well until everything is evenly combined, then set aside.
5
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the hens are marinated, remove them from the refrigerator. Carefully stuff each hen with the savory apple-rosemary stuffing, making sure not to overstuff them, as they will expand while cooking.
6
6. Season the exterior of the hens with salt and pepper, then place them in a large glass baking dish. If desired, reserve a small amount of the marinade to brush over the hens during cooking for added flavor.
7
7. Cover the hens loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. After the first hour, remove the foil and baste the hens with some reserved marinade. Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown.
8
8. For a richer flavor, feel free to add more fresh herbs to the marinade or stuffing according to your taste preferences. Once done, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
15g
Carbs
50g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Herb-Infused Cornish Hens with Savory Apple-Rosemary Stuffing.
How many Cornish hens are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 Cornish hens, which should be cleaned and patted dry.
How long should the Cornish hens be marinated?
The hens should be marinated for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
What herbs are used in the marinade?
The marinade includes chopped fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary.
What type of apples are used in the stuffing?
The recipe calls for 4 Jona Gold apples, which should be sliced or diced.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What is the total baking time for the hens?
The hens bake for a total of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What internal temperature should the hens reach to be fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
How long should the hens rest before serving?
The hens should rest for 10 minutes after being removed from the oven.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of onion is used in the stuffing?
The recipe uses 1 small Vidalia onion, finely chopped.
What type of croutons are recommended for the stuffing?
Use one 8-ounce bag of butter & herbed croutons.
How much protein is in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 50g of protein.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 675 calories per serving.
What kind of oil is used for the marinade?
4 ounces of extra virgin olive oil are used for the marinade.
How should the garlic be prepared for this recipe?
One clove of garlic should be diced, with half used for the marinade and half for the stuffing.
What should I do with the aluminum foil during baking?
Cover the hens loosely with foil for the first hour, then remove it for the final 30 minutes to brown the skin.
Can I baste the hens while they cook?
Yes, you can baste the hens with reserved marinade after the first hour of cooking.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 45g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of peppers are included in the stuffing?
The stuffing includes 2 tablespoons of fresh diced red peppers.
How should the scallions be prepared?
1/4 cup of scallions should be chopped into 1-inch pieces.
Why is it important not to overstuff the hens?
You should not overstuff them because the stuffing will expand while cooking.
What is the first step in preparing the Cornish hens?
The first step is to thoroughly clean the hens under cold running water.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
A total of 3/4 cup of unsalted butter is used.
What equipment is suggested for baking the hens?
A large glass baking dish is recommended.
Can I add extra herbs if I prefer a stronger flavor?
Yes, you can add more fresh herbs to the marinade or stuffing based on your preference.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in this recipe.
How is the onion prepared before being added to the stuffing?
The onion is finely chopped and sautéed in butter until translucent and fragrant.
What is the goal of the initial marinade step?
The marinade allows the flavors of garlic and herbs to meld and infuse into the meat.