Stuffed Hens, Oriental Style
Oriental-style stuffed hens feature fragrant rice, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and green onions, offering a flavorful, elegant main dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice mix according to package directions.
- Cool the cooked rice.
- Add diced celery, sliced green onions, sliced water chestnuts, chopped mushrooms, and soy sauce to the rice.
- Toss lightly to mix all ingredients.
- Salt inside of each hen, then stuff lightly with the rice mixture.
- Truss the hens.
- Roast, breast-side up, in a shallow roasting pan at 375°F (190°C).
- Baste occasionally with melted butter.
- Roast until golden brown and the joints move easily, about 1 1/4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped water chestnuts or diced bell peppers to the stuffing. If Rock Cornish hens are unavailable, you can substitute with small chickens or game hens. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Ensure the rice mixture is cool before stuffing to avoid cooking the hens unevenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed hens with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Chinese recipes like Vegetable Fritters(Chinese) or a light noodle dish. A fruity chutney can also enhance the flavors, adding a sweet contrast to the savory stuffing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed hens 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 (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, slice and microwave portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Hens, Oriental Style contains roughly 245 calories, with 14g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2144mg per serving (93% 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 stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and ensure it cools completely before stuffing the hens. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before using it to ensure even cooking.
What should I do if the hens are not browning?
If the hens are not browning as desired, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking. Basting with melted butter throughout the roasting process can also help achieve a golden color.
How can I tell if the hens are fully cooked?
To check if the hens are fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. It should read 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced.
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).