Cornish Hens With Mushroom Stuffing
Savory, herb‑kissed cornish hens stuffed with golden mushrooms and fragrant parsley, a comforting roast that pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or a crisp salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned mushrooms.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden.
- In a bowl combine parsley flakes, minced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, poultry seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Stir the sautéed mushrooms into the bowl and mix well.
- Rub the cavities and skin of each hen with salt and white pepper.
- Lightly fill each hen’s cavity with the mushroom stuffing and secure with small skewers or toothpicks.
- Fold the wings back and under the hens.
- Brush the skin of each hen with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Place the hens on a rack in a shallow baking pan.
- Roast uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F for about one hour or until the hens are fully cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped celery or bell peppers to the stuffing mix. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley flakes work as a substitute. To enhance the dish, you can also add a splash of white wine to the skillet while sautéing the mushrooms for added depth. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using salted butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cornish hens alongside roasted vegetables or a refreshing Strawberry Tropical Salad for a vibrant meal. For a heartier accompaniment, consider mashed potatoes or a light salad. Drizzle a bit of gravy over the hens for added richness, and finish with a light dessert like Cool Blackberry Cheesecake to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cornish hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F, cover the hens with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps retain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens With Mushroom Stuffing contains roughly 1020 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% 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 regular chicken instead of cornish hens?
Yes, you can use a whole chicken instead of cornish hens. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the chicken, aiming for about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What if I can't find canned mushrooms?
If canned mushrooms are unavailable, you can substitute with fresh mushrooms. Sauté approximately 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms in the same amount of butter until golden, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
How can I tell when the cornish hens are done cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the hens are 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).