Apricot-Glazed Cornish Game Hens Stuffed With Wild Rice
Succulent Cornish game hens glazed with apricot preserves and stuffed with flavorful wild rice and raisins, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package directions, omitting flavor packet.
- Add tarragon and raisins to the cooked rice and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash hens inside and out; pat dry.
- Loosely stuff each hen with the prepared rice mixture.
- Place hens, breast side up, in a large shallow baking pan.
- Season hens with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- In a saucepan, heat apricot preserves, butter, and orange-flavored liqueur until blended.
- Brush or spoon the apricot glaze over the hens.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, basting occasionally, until hens are cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the rice mixture. If you want a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the game hens with large portobello mushrooms. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the hens; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption. A glaze made from apricot preserves complements other dishes like Baked Fillet Of Sole Thermidor beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apricot-glazed Cornish game hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Consider pairing it with a light white wine or a citrus-infused drink. For a delightful dessert, a slice of Pumpkin Spice Dessert would round out the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cornish game hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but this may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot-Glazed Cornish Game Hens Stuffed With Wild Rice contains roughly 682 calories, with 42g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2196mg per serving (95% 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 prepare the rice mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and then stuff the hens just before baking. This can save time on the day you plan to serve the dish.
What can I use instead of orange-flavored liqueur?
If you don't have orange-flavored liqueur, you can substitute it with fresh orange juice mixed with a bit of honey for sweetness. This will still provide a nice citrus flavor without the alcohol.
How can I tell when the hens are done cooking?
The best way to check if the hens are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F. The juices should also run clear when pierced.
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).