Roast Chicken Or Cornish Hens
Juicy roasted chicken or Cornish hens are packed with flavorful ingredients like apples, raisins, sage, and garlic, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet dish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers a tender, aromatic centerpiece that appeals to a variety of palates.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. fryer chicken or 4 Cornish hens ⓘ
- 3 cups slightly dry, cubed bread ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, diced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. minced onion
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crumbled sage ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, diced small ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the chicken or Cornish hens and pat dry.
- Mix all other ingredients: cubed bread, diced celery, minced onion, salt, sage, black pepper, red pepper, diced apple, raisins, minced garlic, melted butter, and sugar.
- Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the chicken or hens.
- Place the stuffed chicken or hens breast side down in a roasting pan, so the juices run downward.
- Roast uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until done. Drumsticks will move when ready.
- Baste occasionally with drippings during roasting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mixture. If you don't have raisins, dried cranberries or chopped apricots can work well as substitutes. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread cubes. Make sure to baste the chicken or hens with the drippings every 30 minutes for a moist, flavorful result.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast chicken or Cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or homemade corn bread, like Homemilled Corn Meal Corn Bread, would complement the dish beautifully. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs or apple slices.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover roast chicken or Cornish hens should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roast Chicken Or Cornish Hens contains roughly 502 calories, with 8g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 15g 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
How do I know when the chicken or hens are done cooking?
The chicken or Cornish hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the meat. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced near the bone, and the drumsticks should move easily.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff the chicken or hens. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before using to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the celery in the stuffing?
If you don't like celery, you can substitute it with finely diced bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and texture. Both options will complement the sweetness of the apples and raisins nicely.
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).