Game Hens With Spinach-Rice Stuffing
Juicy game hens stuffed with flavorful spinach and rice create an elegant main dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners, with a savory herb butter glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach-Rice Stuffing.
- With kitchen scissors, cut hens in half lengthwise.
- Rinse and pat dry the hens.
- Press 3/4 cup of the stuffing onto the cut side of each hen half.
- Hold the stuffing in place with your hand and arrange the hens, skin side up, in a greased shallow baking pan.
- Melt butter in a small pan over low heat; stir in minced green onion, chopped parsley, mustard, and fines herbes.
- Brush the butter mixture over the hens.
- Bake, uncovered, in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 to 60 minutes or until the leg joint moves easily.
- During the last half-hour of baking, baste occasionally with pan drippings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the Spinach-Rice Stuffing. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought stuffing mix as a substitute. Ensure to season the hens well with salt and pepper before applying the stuffing for added flavor. Make sure to baste the hens with the butter mixture regularly for a crispy skin.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the game hens alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Frozen Cranberry-Pineapple Salad for a refreshing contrast. A side of mashed potatoes or rice could also complement the dish nicely, soaking up the flavorful juices from the hens.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover game 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 (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, covered, for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Game Hens With Spinach-Rice Stuffing contains roughly 138 calories, with 17g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). At about 138 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 birds instead of game hens?
Yes, you can substitute Cornish game hens with smaller chickens or even poussin. Adjust cooking times as needed, as larger birds may require longer to cook thoroughly. Always ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Is there a way to make this dish more spicy?
Certainly! To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the butter mixture. You can also spice up the stuffing with some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
How can I ensure the stuffing stays moist while baking?
To keep the stuffing moist, make sure to cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of the cooking time. This traps steam and prevents the stuffing from drying out. You can also baste the hens with pan drippings during baking to enhance moisture.
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).