Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens
Impress your guests with these Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens, a dish that combines succulent poultry with a sweet and tangy stuffing. Each hen is filled with a delightful mix of tart apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts, creating a memorable flavor experience perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. This stunning centerpiece not only looks beautiful but also evokes warmth and nostalgia around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
- 2 cups diced tart apples (like Granny Smith)
- 1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large roasting pan.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent. Add apples and cranberries; cook until softened. Stir in bread cubes, nuts, herbs, and enough chicken broth to moisten.
- Gently lift the skin of each Cornish hen and fill them with the stuffing.
- Rub olive oil over each hen and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for ten minutes before carving and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen (300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg