Rock Cornish Game Hens
Juicy Rock Cornish game hens are tender and flavorful, cooked with rice, mushrooms, and red wine for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove giblets from hens. Wipe hens with a damp cloth; tie legs together with string.
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Put hens in the Dutch oven; brown well on all sides.
- Remove hens from the Dutch oven and keep warm.
- Place rice in the Dutch oven; cook and stir until lightly browned.
- Add sliced mushrooms, salt, chicken bouillon, and red wine to the rice.
- Place the hens on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover with a tightly closed lid.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and hens are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary when cooking the rice. If you're out of dry red wine, cooking sherry works well as a substitute. Ensure the game hens are of uniform size for even cooking. Browning the hens properly enhances the dish's overall flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the game hens over the flavorful rice mixture, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Best Ever Hash Brown Casserole for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Rock Cornish game hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rock Cornish Game Hens contains roughly 808 calories, with 16g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other types of poultry instead of game hens?
Yes, you can substitute with small chickens or other game birds. Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the bird, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the rice mixture and brown the hens a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then combine and cook on the day of serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What can I serve with Rock Cornish game hens?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a light salad. For something heartier, try adding Chilled Chicken Macaroni to the spread for a comforting meal.
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).