Alabama Cornish Hens
Succulent Cornish hens stuffed with Mandarin oranges and fragrant rice, glazed with butter and wine, offering a delightful blend of citrus, savory, and aromatic flavors perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the mandarin oranges and reserve the juice.
- Cook the rice according to the directions, using the reserved orange juice as part of the water.
- Stir in curry powder, chopped parsley, half of the melted butter, and the oranges into the cooked rice.
- Lightly stuff each Cornish hen with the rice mixture, then secure the opening with a skewer.
- Place the hens on a broiler pan. Combine the remaining melted butter with the white wine.
- Brush the hens with the butter mixture and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins to the rice mixture. If you're out of white wine, chicken broth can be a great substitute. To achieve crispy skin, make sure to baste the hens frequently with the butter mixture during baking. Also, ensure that the rice is fully cooked before stuffing to avoid any undercooked rice inside.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish hens with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. The rice stuffing can be complemented by a citrusy side dish, such as a mandarin orange salad. For a comforting pairing, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a warm bread like Julia Aling'S Crescent Rolls to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Alabama Cornish Hens should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This prevents the meat from drying out while retaining its flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alabama Cornish Hens contains roughly 780 calories, with 16g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 918mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular chicken instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can substitute regular chicken for Cornish hens, but cooking times will vary. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A whole chicken will typically take longer, around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on its size.
What can I replace curry powder with?
If you don't have curry powder on hand, consider using a mix of cumin, turmeric, and paprika for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, a pre-made spice blend can work, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Can I prepare the rice mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice mixture a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff the hens. Make sure to bring it back to room temperature before stuffing to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).