Cornish Hen Delight
Cornish Hen Delight offers a savory, crispy roasted bird paired with a creamy onion and celery sauce. Perfect for intimate dinners or special occasions, it combines tender meat with rich flavors, served best over rice. A comforting, flavorful dish suitable for poultry lovers seeking a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F to sear the juices.
- Lay the Cornish hens in a pan.
- Salt and pepper each hen, rubbing in well.
- While the oven heats, sauté chopped onions and celery in a dab of butter on the stovetop until tender.
- Put the can of cream of chicken soup and one can of water in a saucepan and heat until creamy.
- Once the oven reaches 500°F, put the hens in and roast for 30 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- After roasting, pour the creamy mixture over the hens.
- Cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the hens are thoroughly cooked.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider marinating the Cornish hens in your favorite spices or herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or even a can of cream of mushroom soup. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the hens; smaller ones may need less time. This dish pairs beautifully with Wisconsin Potato Cheese Soup for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish hens over fluffy rice to soak up the creamy sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Company Chicken Hot Dish for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish hen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the hen in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hen Delight contains roughly 315 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1122mg per serving (49% 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 frozen Cornish hens for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Cornish hens, but you'll need to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This may take 24 hours, so plan ahead. Cooking from frozen is not recommended, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use a homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, and broth, or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. Both options will work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the Cornish hens are done cooking?
The best way to check if the Cornish hens are thoroughly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Additionally, the juices should 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).