Stuffed Cornish Hens Burgundy
Juicy Cornish hens stuffed with flavorful rice and glazed with a rich Burgundy and currant jelly sauce, perfect for special occasions or intimate dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the wild and white rice according to the package directions.
- Stuff the cooked rice into the hens and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan, combine Burgundy wine and currant jelly over medium heat until the jelly melts.
- Add butter, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and ground allspice to the sauce. Stir well.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and cook until it thickens.
- Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan and roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Baste the hens periodically with the sauce during roasting.
- Serve the hens hot, drizzled with additional sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the rice stuffing. You can substitute currant jelly with grape jelly or cranberry sauce if needed. Make sure to baste the hens every 15-20 minutes for a moist texture. To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or a rice blend instead of cooking it from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed Cornish hens alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf make excellent sides. For a festive touch, pair with a glass of Burgundy wine. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed 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) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cornish Hens Burgundy contains roughly 347 calories, with 2g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1679mg per serving (73% 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 prepare the hens in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed hens a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast them. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of Burgundy wine?
If Burgundy wine is unavailable, you can substitute it with any dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Alternatively, for a non-alcoholic option, use a mixture of grape juice and a splash of vinegar for acidity.
How do I know when the hens are done cooking?
The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear when pierced. Allow the hens to rest for about 10 minutes before serving for optimal juiciness.
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).