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There’s something wonderfully inviting about the aroma of roasted Cornish hens wafting through the kitchen. Perhaps it’s the anticipation of family and friends gathering around the table, or the delightful mingling of flavors that fill the air with cozy warmth. This recipe for Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing is not just a dish; it’s an experience.

I stumbled upon this gem one chilly evening when I craved comfort food that wasn’t another uninspired fast meal. The combination of tender, juicy hens with a stuffing that balances savory pecans, tart cranberries, and sweet Fuji apples is truly unmatched. Whether you’re prepping for a festive celebration or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is effortless enough for any home cook while still impressing your guests. Get ready to rediscover the joy of homemade cuisine with this flavorful and elegant dish!

Why are Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing a must-try?

Heavenly aroma: As they roast, the scent of herbs, apples, and warming spices will envelop your kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather around.
Family-friendly: Impress everyone at the table, from children to adults, with tender hens and a delightful stuffing that balances savory and sweet flavors.
Effortlessly elegant: Perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknights, this dish looks and tastes gourmet without hours of preparation.
Nutrient-packed: With wholesome ingredients like apples and cranberries, each bite is as nutritious as it is delicious!
Easy to customize: Feel free to switch up the stuffing ingredients to suit your taste, making each meal a unique experience.
Elevate your home cooking by trying this impressive yet simple recipe, and rekindle your love for homemade food!

Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Ingredients

For the Stuffing

Unsalted butter – A touch of richness and flavor to sauté the veggies.
Chopped onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the stuffing that elevates each bite.
Chopped celery – Provides a delightful crunch and fresh flavor balance.
Coarsely chopped pecans – Introducing nutty goodness and a hint of texture!
Chopped fresh sage – Infuses a warm, earthy aroma that’s a hallmark of comforting meals.
Chopped fresh thyme – A fragrant herb that elevates the dish to new heights.
Cooked rice – The perfect base that holds all the delicious flavors of the stuffing.
Peeled, diced Fuji apples – Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory elements.
Sweetened dried cranberries – Adds a pop of tartness that compliments the stuffing beautifully.
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley – Freshens up the mixture and adds a touch of color.
Kosher salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the stuffing.
Freshly-ground black pepper – Brings a mild heat that brightens the flavors.

For the Glaze

Splash of apple cider – Adds a hint of sweetness to deglaze the pan and capture all that goodness.
Apple cider – Creates a luscious glaze that enlivens your Cornish hens with a rich flavor.
Maple syrup – Deepens the sweetness while beautifully marrying with the savory elements.
Dijon mustard – Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon – A warm spice that perfectly complements the apple and cranberry notes.

For the Hens

Cornish hens (1.25 to 1.5 pounds each) – Tender, juicy, and a stunning centerpiece for any meal.
Unsalted butter, melted – Ensures a golden-brown finish with flavor-rich moisture on the hens.

Embark on this culinary journey with Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing, and let the delightful flavors be the star of your next gathering!

How to Make Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Melt butter in a skillet until foaming subsides. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Toss in the pecans, sage, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon each of kosher salt and pepper for another 3 minutes, allowing the pecans to become fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with a small splash of apple cider, scraping any brown bits from the bottom. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, diced apples, cranberries, and parsley. Season everything to taste with additional salt and pepper, then set the stuffing aside.
Combine apple cider and maple syrup in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, allowing it to maintain a steady bubble. Simmer until the mixture is syrupy and reduced to about 1/3 to 1/2 cup, approximately 15 minutes. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and cinnamon until smooth and set aside.
Prepare the hens by removing them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to roasting. Take out any giblets, rinse the hens, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, positioning the rack in the lower third of the oven. Set a roasting rack inside a foil-lined roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray.
Season the cavities of the hens lightly with salt and pepper. Loosely spoon about 1/2 cup of stuffing into each cavity. Tie the legs closed with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the birds. Arrange the hens in the pan with enough space between them for air to circulate.
Brush the tops and sides of each hen with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes before reducing the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.
Continue roasting for an additional 40-50 minutes. During the last 30 minutes, lightly brush the hens with the glaze every 10 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, shield with a piece of foil.
Check for doneness; the hens should register 180 degrees F in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices should run clear. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Optional: Serve with extra apple-cranberry glaze drizzled on top for added flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing?

Elevate your dinner experience by thoughtfully pairing flavors and textures that will complement your delightful feast.

Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of sweet carrots, hearty potatoes, and earthy beets adds warmth and a colorful presentation to your table. Their caramelization enhances the rustic charm of the hens.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes provides the perfect backdrop for that luscious apple-cranberry glaze, making each bite pure bliss. This classic pairing never fails to impress!
Honey Glazed Carrots: The gentle sweetness from honey and butter beautifully contrasts the savory notes of the hens. Their vibrant color will brighten your dish and entice all at the table.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon and tender Brussels sprouts introduce a delightful crunch and a hint of umami that harmonizes well with the festive flavors of your main dish.
Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese: Fresh greens topped with creamy goat cheese and tangy vinaigrette add a refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the stuffing. The zesty notes will elevate your meal!
Apple Cider Sangria: A fruity and slightly spiced sangria perfectly complements the apple and cranberry elements in your dish, creating a cohesive and cheerful beverage option for your guests.
Pumpkin Pie: Finish on a sweet note with a classic pumpkin pie, a fall favorite that pairs charmingly with the flavors of your dinner. Its spices will evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

These pairings will not only enhance your Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing but will create a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones!

Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that can bring new life to your recipe!

Cranberry Swap: Use dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries for a different fruity zing.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative that still adds a nice crunch.
Vegan Option: Swap the Cornish hens for stuffed bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of cider and butter in the stuffing.
Herb Rich: Experiment with fresh rosemary or oregano in place of sage and thyme for a robust flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a pleasant kick that’ll warm your taste buds!
Apple Alternatives: Try using chopped pears or even dried figs for an elegant and unique flavor in the stuffing!
Citrus Burst: Squeeze fresh lemon or orange juice over the hens before roasting to brighten the dish with vibrant citrus notes.
Stuffing Variations: Incorporate quinoa or farro instead of rice for added texture and a hearty grain option!

Each variation offers a chance to create a variation that’s perfect for you and your family’s taste!

Expert Tips for Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Perfect Timing: Always let the hens sit out for about 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking and retain moisture.
Flavor Boost: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Generously season both the stuffing and hens with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of your Cornish hens.
Glaze Generously: Brush the glaze on frequently during the last 30 minutes of roasting for that irresistible, sticky finish.
Temperature Check: Invest in a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the hens should reach 180 degrees F for perfectly cooked meat.
Resting Time: Let the hens rest after roasting for 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy meat.

How to Store and Freeze Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Fridge: Store cooked Cornish hens in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep any remaining stuffing separate to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap each hen tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw the hens overnight in the fridge before reheating. To warm, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Leftover Stuffing: Refrigerate leftover stuffing in a separate container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat separately before serving.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing ahead of time can be a game-changer for busy cooks! You can make the stuffing (without the birds) up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply sauté the vegetables and combine them with the rice, apples, cranberries, and seasonings, then refrigerate in an airtight container. For best quality, store the hens in the fridge for up to 24 hours before roasting. When you’re ready to serve, stuff each hen, roast, and glaze as per the recipe, ensuring a delightful dish that’s just as delicious as if made fresh. Enjoy quality family time without the fuss!

Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing Recipe FAQs

How can I tell if my Cornish hens are fresh?
Absolutely! When selecting Cornish hens, look for ones that are plump and feel heavy for their size. The skin should be free of dark spots and any unpleasant odor. Fresh hens will also have a bright pink hue, indicating their freshness.

What’s the best way to store leftover Cornish hens?
To store your cooked Cornish hens, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for up to 3 days. Be sure to store any remaining stuffing separately to maintain its integrity and flavor during storage.

Can I freeze Cornish hens with stuffing?
Yes, you can! To freeze Cornish hens, first wrap each hen tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Properly wrapped, they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. For the stuffing, refrigerate it separately for up to 4 days, or freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What do I do if my Cornish hens are browning too quickly in the oven?
No worries! If your Cornish hens are browning too quickly, simply shield them with a piece of foil. This will prevent over-browning while allowing the meat to cook through to the proper temperature of 180 degrees F.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! This recipe contains pecans, which can be an allergen for some. If you’re serving those with nut allergies, you can replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. Always check your guests’ dietary restrictions to ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dish!