Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing: 5-Star Holiday Magic

When you’re craving something elegant yet approachable for a family dinner or festive gathering, Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing will make you look like a total kitchen superstar—without the stress. These tender, golden hens paired with a sweet-and-savory stuffing are a cozy upgrade from the usual roast chicken. Perfect for date night, Sunday dinner, or a small Thanksgiving feast, this recipe is about bringing warmth (and maybe a few impressed gasps) to your table.

Why You’ll Love These Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

This dish isn’t just another poultry recipe—it’s a flavor-packed experience that feels like a hug on a plate. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Perfectly Portioned Elegance: Each person gets their very own mini roast hen. No carving stress, no sharing struggles—just a personal, picture-perfect meal.
• Sweet Meets Savory Magic: The apple-cranberry rice stuffing creates an irresistible harmony of tart, sweet, and herby goodness that complements the juicy hens beautifully.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: Golden, crispy skin with aromatic stuffing peeking out—it looks straight out of a food magazine but takes far less effort.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps and everyday ingredients, this recipe delivers gourmet results without the fuss.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, romantic dinner, or Sunday supper, this dish brings just the right mix of comfort and sophistication.

And here’s the best part—it’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy tools or culinary magic tricks (although, at Chicken Magic Recipes, we do believe in a little kitchen magic).

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 Cornish hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 apple, diced (Granny Smith recommended)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup butter
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Each ingredient brings its own charm—the butter gives that luscious richness, the cranberries add a pop of color and tang, and the apple keeps the stuffing delightfully fresh.

How To Make Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of long-grain rice, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.

Tip: If you’ve got leftover rice, use it! This recipe is all about making life easier.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

While the rice cooks, melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent—about 5 minutes. The sweet smell will start to fill your kitchen (and might draw a few curious family members).

Stir in the diced apple, dried cranberries, and cooked rice. Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then set aside to cool slightly.

Tip: Feeling fancy? Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch.

Step 3: Prep the Cornish Hens

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil all over, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Tip: This is a great step for little kitchen helpers—kids love brushing the oil on the hens!

Step 4: Stuff the Hens

Gently spoon the apple-cranberry rice mixture into each hen. Don’t overpack it—you want to leave a bit of room for air circulation.

Optional: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together for that restaurant-quality presentation.

Step 5: Bake

Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns beautifully golden.

Tip: For ultra-crispy skin, broil the hens for the last 3-5 minutes. Just keep a close eye—they can go from golden to burnt faster than you think!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Tip: While they rest, whip up a quick green salad or some buttery mashed potatoes. Because balance, right?

Cooking Tips for Perfect Cornish Hens

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid guesswork—165°F is your magic number.
• Don’t skip the rest time! That’s where the real juiciness happens.
• Add a glaze: A quick brush of melted butter mixed with honey gives a lovely sheen and subtle sweetness.

A Little Kitchen Story

This recipe actually came about one chilly November evening when I wanted to make something special but didn’t have a turkey on hand. The Cornish hens turned out to be a delightful surprise—they cooked faster, looked adorable, and the apple-cranberry rice gave them such a cozy flavor. Since then, they’ve become a family favorite around the holidays or anytime I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

FAQs About Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing

Bring Magic to Your Table

If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet simple meal, Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing is pure comfort wrapped in golden skin. It’s festive, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish will make your kitchen smell like happiness and your family ask for seconds.

So go ahead, preheat that oven and bring a little chicken magic to your table tonight!

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking to expand your menu with more comforting and seasonal flavors? Here are some deliciously related recipes that pair beautifully with Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing:

• For another elegant main course packed with flavor, try this Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken—it’s rich, creamy, and ideal for special occasions.
• Balance your meal with a warm, creamy soup like Hungarian Mushroom Soup—a cozy bowl that complements the fruity tones of your hens.
• Add a seasonal side with Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon, a sweet-and-savory medley that brings your fall feast to life.
• Finish your dinner on a festive note with a crowd-pleasing dessert like Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread—perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings.

We’d love to hear what you think! If you try these Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing, leave a review and share how it turned out in your kitchen. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more cozy, flavorful chicken recipes that bring warmth and joy to your table every week!

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