Cornish Hens With Chestnut-Sausage Stuffing
Juicy Cornish hens stuffed with a savory chestnut and sausage mixture, flavored with herbs and toasted pine nuts—perfect for festive gatherings or special family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Wish-Bone Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage links with casing removed
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 4 Cornish hens ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked chestnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook chopped onion and celery in Italian dressing, stirring until tender.
- Add sausage and cook for 5 minutes or until browned.
- Stir in bread crumbs, cooked chestnuts, toasted pine nuts, marjoram, and thyme.
- Stuff the hens with the mixture.
- Close cavities with skewers and tie legs together with string.
- Place hens in a roast pan on racks.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes, or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using a different type of sausage, such as spicy Italian or even a turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you can't find fresh bread crumbs, you can use dried ones but reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overly dry stuffing. Make sure to cook the stuffing until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish hens with seasonal sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A side of mashed potatoes or stuffing complements the dish well. This recipe pairs beautifully with Drizzlies for an extra flavor kick. For a festive touch, consider serving with cranberry sauce or a light gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers 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 (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick warming, but the oven method will maintain better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens With Chestnut-Sausage Stuffing contains roughly 846 calories, with 25g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% 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 stuffing a day in advance. Just refrigerate it after cooking and stuff the hens just before roasting. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Remember to bring the stuffing to room temperature before using it to ensure even cooking.
What should I do if I can't find Cornish hens?
If Cornish hens are unavailable, you can substitute with small chickens or game hens, adjusting the cooking time slightly as needed. Ensure that any poultry you choose is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How can I ensure my hens stay moist while roasting?
To keep the hens moist, consider basting them with their own juices or a little broth during roasting. Additionally, covering them with aluminum foil for the first part of cooking helps retain moisture, allowing for a beautifully golden finish when uncovered towards the end.
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).