Cornish Hens & Rice Pilaf
Juicy Cornish hens baked to perfection with a flavorful rice pilaf, combining savory herbs and golden onions for a hearty, comforting meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350-375°F.
- Clean and prepare the Cornish Hens, then place in the oven for about 1 hour.
- Apply margarine to the outside of each hen and sprinkle with garlic salt if desired.
- In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup of margarine and cook the chopped onion until golden.
- Transfer the cooked onion to a 2-quart casserole dish and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining margarine and brown the rice until fluffy and golden brown.
- Add the browned rice and cooked onion to the casserole dish.
- Mix in the dried thyme, instant chicken bouillon, and hot water.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake at 350-375°F for 30-40 minutes until rice is tender and flavorful.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the rice pilaf. If you're out of margarine, butter can be used as a substitute for a richer taste. Ensure the Cornish hens are fully thawed before cooking for even doneness. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish hens over a bed of the rice pilaf for a beautiful presentation. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A light white wine also complements this dish well. For a comforting option, consider browsing more American recipes that feature chicken, such as Chicken Pot Pie Or Turkey.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens and rice pilaf in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens & Rice Pilaf contains roughly 637 calories, with 32g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium.
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 other types of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use basmati or jasmine rice for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time according to the rice type, as some may require more or less water and time to cook.
How do I know when the Cornish hens are fully cooked?
The hens are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. The juices should run clear without any traces of pink.
Can I prepare the rice pilaf in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice pilaf a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving and consider adding a bit of broth or water to keep it moist.
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).