Sweet and Savory Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens with Fragrant Rice Stuffing
Delight your taste buds with this delectable recipe for Sweet and Savory Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens paired with a flavorful rice stuffing enriched with apricots and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, these tender game hens are roasted to perfection with a luscious apricot glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The stuffing, a delicious blend of brown rice, wild rice, and dried apricots, adds depth and texture, making each bite a delightful experience. Share this dish with loved ones and enjoy the compliments that will surely follow!
4
Servings
375
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
2 (washed and giblets removed)
water
1/4 cup (for glaze)
apricot preserves
6 ounces (sugar-free)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for glaze)
garlic powder
to taste (for seasoning)
cooking spray
as needed (to line the baking pan)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic clove
1 (minced) (for stuffing)
celery
1 stalk (finely chopped)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
dried apricots
6-8 (finely chopped)
brown rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
long grain and wild rice blend
1/2 cup (preferably ParExcelence, uncooked)
chicken broth
2 cups (for cooking rice)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by preparing the glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup of water, apricot preserves, and cinnamon. Microwave on high for about 20 seconds. Stir to combine; if the mixture isn't blending well, microwave an additional 10 seconds and stir again until smooth.
2
For the stuffing, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, chopped celery, onion, and dried apricots for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3
Stir in the brown rice and sauté for another 3 minutes. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and add 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared apricot glaze. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until rice is nearly cooked.
4
Add the pilaf rice to the pot. Stir to combine, cover, and continue to simmer for an additional 15-25 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Once done, set aside to cool. This step can be done ahead of time if you prefer.
5
Now, prepare the Cornish hens: Line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. Rinse the hens under cold water, remove giblets, and pat them dry with paper towels.
6
Sprinkle garlic powder generously inside and outside of each hen. Stuff the cavity of each hen with the apricot rice stuffing until filled.
7
Brush the exterior of the hens with the apricot glaze, ensuring they are well-coated. To prevent over-browning, place a tent of aluminum foil over the hens, leaving 1-2 inches of space at the top for heat circulation. Crimp the sides to hold it in place.
8
Bake the hens in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil tent and brush the hens with more glaze. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 40-45 minutes or until the hens are tender and the juices run clear. Baste the hens every 10-15 minutes with the remaining glaze until it is used up.
9
Once cooked, let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this mouthwatering dish with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
55g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Sweet and Savory Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens with Fragrant Rice Stuffing.
How many servings does this Cornish hen recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the calorie counts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What ingredients are used to make the apricot glaze?
The glaze consists of 1/4 cup of water, 6 ounces of sugar-free apricot preserves, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What types of rice are used for the stuffing?
The stuffing uses a blend of 1/2 cup of brown rice and 1/2 cup of long grain and wild rice blend.
What vegetables are included in the fragrant rice stuffing?
The stuffing includes one minced garlic clove, one finely chopped celery stalk, and one small finely chopped onion.
How are the dried apricots prepared for the stuffing?
6 to 8 dried apricots should be finely chopped before being sautéed with the vegetables.
How do you prepare the Cornish hens before stuffing them?
Rinse the hens under cold water, remove the giblets, pat them dry with paper towels, and season with garlic powder.
How do I prevent the hens from over-browning during roasting?
Place a tent of aluminum foil over the hens during the initial baking phase, leaving 1-2 inches of space at the top.
How long should the hens bake initially with the foil tent?
The hens should bake for 30 minutes while covered with the aluminum foil tent.
What is the baking time after the foil tent is removed?
Once the foil is removed, bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until tender and juices run clear.
How often should you baste the hens with the apricot glaze?
Baste the hens every 10-15 minutes with the remaining glaze once they are uncovered.
Can the rice stuffing be prepared in advance?
Yes, the rice stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and set aside to cool before stuffing the hens.
What is the fat content per serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 11.25g of fat.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
There are 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving provides 55g of carbohydrates.
What liquid is used to cook the stuffing rice?
The rice is simmered in 2 cups of chicken broth along with 3-4 tablespoons of the apricot glaze.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
Line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray.
How do you make the apricot glaze smooth?
Combine ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave for 20 seconds, and stir; repeat if necessary.
What type of apricot preserves are recommended?
The recipe specifies using sugar-free apricot preserves.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed for the stuffing?
Sauté the garlic, celery, onion, and dried apricots for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
When do you add the pilaf rice blend to the stuffing mixture?
Add the pilaf rice after the brown rice has simmered for 10-15 minutes.
How do you know when the rice stuffing is fully cooked?
The stuffing is done when all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.
What seasoning is used inside the hen cavity?
Garlic powder is sprinkled generously inside the cavity before stuffing.
Should the hens rest before being served?
Yes, let the hens rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven to ensure they are juicy.
What kind of oil is used for the stuffing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the stuffing ingredients.
Is there a specific brand of rice blend recommended?
The recipe suggests using the ParExcelence brand for the long grain and wild rice blend.
What is the role of the chicken broth in this recipe?
Chicken broth is used as the cooking liquid for the rice stuffing to add depth of flavor.
What size baking pan is required?
A 13 x 9 inch baking pan is required for roasting the two Cornish hens.