Cornish Hens With Wild Rice Stuffing
Succulent Cornish hens stuffed with flavorful wild rice and herbs, offering a rich, savory taste perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup minced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion or shallots ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced green peppers ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon herb seasoning
- 2/3 cup wild rice
- 2 (1 to 1 1/4 lb.) Cornish hens ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or oleo
- 1/4 cup brandy ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute minced celery, minced onion or shallots, and green peppers in 2 tablespoons of butter or oleo in a saucepan.
- Stir in chicken broth, minced parsley, and herb seasoning; bring to a boil and add wild rice.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; cook about 25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove giblets from hens and reserve for another use.
- Rinse hens with cold water and pat dry.
- Sprinkle hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Lightly stuff hens with the cooked rice mixture.
- Secure the cavities with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter or oleo and add brandy; heat gently before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If wild rice is unavailable, a mix of brown rice and quinoa can work as a substitute. Enhance the stuffing with dried fruits or nuts for extra texture. Be careful not to overstuff the hens, as they need space to cook evenly. Ensure the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of white wine pairs wonderfully, enhancing the flavors of the stuffing. For a hearty meal, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a light grain salad. This dish also pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Parm for those looking to explore more chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cornish hens 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 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave portions for quicker reheating, but this may affect the crispiness of the skin.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens With Wild Rice Stuffing contains roughly 274 calories, with 7g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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 prepare the wild rice stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the wild rice stuffing a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff the hens. Make sure to cool the mixture completely before refrigerating to avoid bacterial growth. When ready to cook, stuff the hens and follow the baking instructions as usual.
What can I use instead of brandy?
If you prefer not to use brandy, white wine or apple juice can be good substitutes for adding flavor to the butter sauce. Alternatively, you can skip the alcohol entirely and use additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version, which will still provide moisture and richness.
How do I know when the cornish hens are fully cooked?
The best way to check if cornish hens are cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; it should read 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the hens are pierced. If the juices are pink, continue cooking until fully done.
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).