Stuffed Rock Cornish Hens Burgundy

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Succulent Rock Cornish hens stuffed with savory rice and glazed with a rich Burgundy wine sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 6 oz. wild and white rice
  • 4 to 6 Rock Cornish hens
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 c. Burgundy wine
  • 1 c. currant jelly
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 tsp. cornstarch
  • 3 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook rice according to package directions and stuff hens with the rice mixture.
  2. Lightly salt and pepper the hens.
  3. In a saucepan, combine Burgundy wine, currant jelly, butter, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and ground allspice.
  4. Let the mixture bubble until thickened to make the glaze.
  5. Place hens in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 1 to 1½ hours, basting often with the glaze.
  7. Split hens down the middle to serve, passing the remaining sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider mixing some herbs like thyme or rosemary into the rice before stuffing the hens. If you don't have Burgundy wine, a dry red wine like Merlot can be a good substitute. Make sure to baste the hens frequently to keep them moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed Rock Cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. A Baked Green Bean Casserole would complement the flavors well. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the hens for added moisture and presentation.

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 until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stuffed Rock Cornish Hens Burgundy contains roughly 325 calories, with 3g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

325 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 8.6g 11% DV
Carbs 68.4g 25% DV
Fiber 9g 32% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1055.9mg 46% DV
Potassium 493.2mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 15.9mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 16.1mg 18% DV
Calcium 272.8mg 21% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 different types of rice for the stuffing?

Yes, you can use brown rice or a wild rice blend for a different texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked before stuffing the hens.

How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?

The hens are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone to get an accurate reading.

Can I prepare the hens ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed hens the day before and store them uncooked in the refrigerator. Just remove them about 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.

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).

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