Savory Herb-Stuffed Cornish Hens
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Savory Herb-Stuffed Cornish Hens, featuring tender, juicy game hens generously filled with a delectable mix of long grain and wild rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy mushroom sauce. This recipe elevates the humble Cornish hen into a festive centerpiece, perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Simple yet impressive, these hens are seasoned to perfection, making every bite a celebration of home-cooked comfort. With the ease of a pantry-friendly recipe, enjoy a taste of Thanksgiving any day of the year.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Quick-cooking long grain and wild rice mix
1 (6 1/4 ounce) package (Follow package directions to cook.)
Celery ribs
2 (Chopped)
Small onion
1 (Chopped)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Divided, with 1 tbsp for sautéing and 1 tbsp for brushing.)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (Undiluted)
Mushroom stems and pieces
1 (4 ounce) can (Drained)
Cornish hens
4 (Each approximately 24 ounces.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the rice according to package directions, setting it aside once cooked.
3
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, sautéing until they become tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, the drained mushroom stems and pieces, and the cooked rice until well combined. Remove from heat.
5
Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and season the cavities and the exterior generously with salt and pepper.
6
Stuff each hen with the rice mixture, ensuring they are well-packed but not overflowing. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary.
7
Place the stuffed hens on a rack in a greased shallow roasting pan. Cover the hens with aluminum foil to keep them moist during the initial baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Brush the melted butter over the hens to enhance their golden-brown color.
9
Continue baking uncovered for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced and a meat thermometer reads 180°F (82°C) for the hens and 165°F (74°C) for the stuffing.
10
Once cooked, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your deliciously stuffed Cornish hens!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Herb-Stuffed Cornish Hens?
Savory Herb-Stuffed Cornish Hens are tender, juicy game hens filled with a mix of long grain and wild rice, vegetables, and creamy mushroom sauce.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the rice for the stuffing?
Prepare the quick-cooking long grain and wild rice mix according to the package directions before adding it to the stuffing mixture.
How do I sauté the vegetables for the stuffing?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped celery and onion for about 5 minutes until tender.
What vegetables are included in the stuffing?
The stuffing includes two chopped celery ribs and one small chopped onion.
What kind of soup is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 10 3/4 ounce can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup.
Should the canned mushrooms be drained?
Yes, the 4 ounce can of mushroom stems and pieces should be drained before being added to the rice mixture.
How should I prepare the Cornish hens before seasoning?
Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
What seasonings are used for the hens?
The cavities and exterior of the hens are seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I stuff the Cornish hens?
Fill each hen with the rice and mushroom mixture, packing it well without making it overflow.
How do I keep the stuffing inside the hens while roasting?
You can secure the openings of the hens with toothpicks if necessary.
What type of pan is best for roasting the hens?
Place the stuffed hens on a rack in a greased shallow roasting pan.
Do I need to cover the hens while they bake?
Yes, cover the hens with aluminum foil during the first 40 minutes of baking to keep them moist.
What is the first phase of baking?
The hens bake covered with foil at 350°F for 40 minutes.
What should I do after the first 40 minutes of baking?
Remove the foil and brush the hens with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
Why is butter brushed on the hens halfway through?
Brushing the hens with melted butter helps enhance their golden-brown color during the final stage of baking.
How long do the hens bake uncovered?
The hens bake uncovered for an additional 25 to 35 minutes.
How can I tell if the Cornish hens are fully cooked?
The hens are done when the juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 180°F (82°C) for the meat.
What is the safe internal temperature for the stuffing?
The stuffing should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Should the hens rest after cooking?
Yes, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
How many Cornish hens does this recipe use?
This recipe is designed for 4 Cornish hens, each weighing approximately 24 ounces.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is 18.75g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The recipe contains 17.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays like Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as a festive centerpiece perfect for Thanksgiving or special occasions.
Is this recipe easy to make on a weeknight?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy and impressive meal that can be enjoyed any day of the year.
What makes this recipe pantry-friendly?
It uses common items like canned soup, canned mushrooms, and boxed rice mix.
What type of rice mix is recommended?
A 6 1/4 ounce package of quick-cooking long grain and wild rice mix is recommended.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 2 tablespoons of butter, divided into two 1-tablespoon portions.