Cornish Hens With Mushrooms
Juicy Cornish hens stuffed with savory mushroom and nut filling, baked to perfection with aromatic herbs—an elegant and flavorful dish suitable for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the hens in cool water, dry them, remove any visible fat, and sprinkle with pepper.
- Saute mushrooms in olive oil until tender.
- Add bread crumbs, chopped pecans, minced onion, minced garlic, dried tarragon, and pepper to the mushrooms, mixing well.
- Combine skim milk with one tablespoon of dry vermouth and add to the stuffing mixture to bind it.
- Loosely stuff the hens with the mixture and tie their legs together.
- Place hens, breast side up, on a rack in a baking pan.
- Roast at 350°F for 45 minutes, basting frequently with the remaining vermouth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the stuffing. If you don't have dry vermouth, white wine or chicken broth can be good substitutes. To ensure even cooking, check the hens' internal temperature; they should reach 165°F. For a different twist, try adding dried cranberries or apricots to the stuffing, which pairs beautifully with the savory elements.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or wild rice make great accompaniments, soaking up the delicious juices. For a delightful dessert, consider pairing this dish with Thelma Lou'S Very Chocolate Cheesecake to satisfy sweet cravings after a savory feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish hens 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 for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power until heated through, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens With Mushrooms contains roughly 777 calories, with 20g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 476mg per serving (21% 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 chickens instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can substitute regular chickens, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Regular chickens will take longer to roast, typically around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on their size. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
What other stuffing ingredients can I use?
Feel free to experiment with ingredients like cooked sausage, spinach, or different nuts. If you're looking for vegetarian recipes, consider using quinoa or rice as a base for the stuffing, along with seasonal vegetables and herbs for added flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish more flavorful?
Absolutely! Marinating the hens in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking can enhance their flavor. Additionally, basting with the remaining vermouth during roasting adds moisture and richness, ensuring a succulent final dish.
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).