Cornish Hens And Wild Rice Supreme
Juicy roasted Cornish hens served with a flavorful wild rice pilaf featuring green onions, mushrooms, white wine, and aromatic seasonings for an elegant, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the Cornish hens, remove giblets, rinse, and pat dry.
- Brush the inside and outside of the hens with melted butter.
- Remove the seasoning package from the rice.
- Rub 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix inside and out of each hen.
- Place the hens breast-side up in a shallow roasting pan.
- Pour chicken broth and 1/2 cup of water into the pan.
- Preheat oven to 450°F and bake the hens for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped green onions, sliced mushrooms, and the rice from the package.
- Saute, stirring frequently; slowly add 1 1/4 cups of water, the remaining seasoning, white wine, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour the rice mixture into the roasting pan, ensuring no rice rests on the hens.
- Brush the hens with the remaining melted butter.
- Loosely cover the pan with foil.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 45 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the rice mixture. If you don't have dry white wine, chicken broth or apple juice can be great substitutes. You can also use quinoa or couscous instead of wild rice if you prefer. Ensure the hens are patted dry before seasoning for better adherence and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it alongside Sue'S Potatoes for a comforting side. For a festive touch, consider garnishing the hens with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. A light, crisp white wine complements this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens and rice in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens And Wild Rice Supreme contains roughly 590 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 4g 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 frozen Cornish hens for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Cornish hens, but make sure to thoroughly thaw them before cooking. This ensures even cooking and allows the seasoning to penetrate properly. A good method is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water for a few hours.
What can I substitute for long grain and wild rice?
If you don't have long grain and wild rice, you can use brown rice or a rice blend that includes wild rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
How do I know when the Cornish hens are fully cooked?
To check if the Cornish hens are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Additionally, the juices should run clear, not pink, when pierced. Allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before carving.
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).