Hens Reggae
Hens Reggae offers tender split Cornish hens atop flavorful saffron rice, seasoned with green onions and savory broth, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart casserole well with nonstick spray.
- Whisk chicken broth and undiluted cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Stir in yellow rice with saffron seasoning and chopped green onions, then mix well.
- Remove fatty pads and skin from the hens if desired.
- Arrange the split Cornish hens, cut side down, on top of the rice mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spray a sheet of tinfoil and cover the casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the rice mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute yellow rice with plain rice and add a pinch of saffron or turmeric for color. Make sure to check the hens for any remaining feathers or excess fat before cooking, which can affect the dish's texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Consider complementing it with a side of Apple-Raisin Dressing for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Hens Reggae can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hens Reggae contains roughly 264 calories, with 26g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2845mg per serving (124% 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 hens instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can use regular hens, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may take longer to cook through. A larger hen may require an additional 30 minutes in the oven. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's safe to eat.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can work as a substitute. Keep in mind that using water will result in a milder flavor, so you might want to add additional seasonings to compensate.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice mixture and arrange the hens in the casserole dish a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
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).