Cornish Game Hens With Stuffing
Juicy Cornish game hens stuffed with flavorful rice and almonds, roasted to perfection with buttery goodness—ideal for elegant dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the game hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, cook slivered almonds, uncooked long grain rice, and chopped onion in butter for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add water, chicken bouillon cube, lemon juice, and salt to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the bouillon cube.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
- Stir in drained mushrooms.
- Lightly stuff the hens with the rice mixture.
- Place the hens, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow baking pan.
- Brush the hens with melted butter.
- Roast, covered, at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and roast for an additional hour, basting with butter during the last 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the rice stuffing. If you don't have game hens, Cornish hens are a great substitute. You can also use leftover cooked rice instead of uncooked for a quicker prep. For a twist, try adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the stuffing, similar to what you might find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted game hens with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a wild rice blend. For a festive touch, consider serving with cranberry sauce or a light gravy. This dish is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed game hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. For best results, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Game Hens With Stuffing contains roughly 297 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice stuffing a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and stuff the game hens just before roasting. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What should I serve with Cornish game hens?
Cornish game hens are versatile; they pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, a creamy potato dish, or a light salad. A glass of white wine complements the dish nicely, enhancing the flavors.
How do I know when the hens are done cooking?
To ensure your game hens are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. The juices should run clear when pierced. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
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).