Cornish Game Hens With Sweet Potato-Maple-Pecan Stuffing
Juicy Cornish game hens stuffed with sweet potato, maple, and pecans offer a savory, sweet, and nutty flavor combination perfect for special gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove giblets from the game hens; wash and dry the hens.
- Season inside and out with salt and pepper or lemon pepper to taste.
- Bake or microwave the sweet potatoes until tender.
- Scoop out the flesh and mash the sweet potatoes.
- Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan; add maple syrup and stir.
- Mix the maple butter mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Add chopped pecans to the sweet potato mixture.
- Stuff the game hens with the sweet potato, maple, and pecan mixture.
- Bake the stuffed hens at 350°F for about 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Optional: Warm any extra stuffing in a small casserole dish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped onions or celery to the sweet potato stuffing. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the game hens with large bell peppers or squash. You can also use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness. Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked before mashing for a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish game hens alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of cranberry sauce adds a lovely tart contrast to the sweet stuffing. This dish also pairs beautifully with Noami'S Prune Cake for dessert, creating a delightful end to your holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed game hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For the stuffing, heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Game Hens With Sweet Potato-Maple-Pecan Stuffing contains roughly 1126 calories, with 19g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 chickens instead of Cornish game hens?
Yes, you can use regular chickens, but adjust the cooking time accordingly since they may take longer to cook through. A standard chicken will typically require about 1.5 to 2 hours at the same temperature.
What can I use if I don't have pecans?
If you don't have pecans, walnuts or chopped almonds can be great substitutes. For a nut-free option, try adding sunflower seeds or extra herbs for added texture and flavor in the stuffing.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and stuff the hens just before baking. Keep the stuffed hens covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld nicely and makes for an easier cooking day.
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).