Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the rice stuffing up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before stuffing the hens.

Can I use wild rice instead of long-grain rice?

Yes! Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the apples and cranberries.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven so the skin stays crisp.

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

Description

Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing are a show-stopping yet simple dish perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners. Tender golden hens are filled with a sweet and savory mix of apples, cranberries, herbs, and rice—creating a festive balance of comfort and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of long-grain rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until fluffy.
Make the Stuffing: In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter and sauté chopped onion until translucent. Stir in diced apple, cranberries, and cooked rice. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.
Prep the Hens: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat hens dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Stuff the Hens: Spoon apple-cranberry rice mixture into each cavity without overfilling. Tie legs with kitchen twine if desired.
Roast: Place hens in a roasting pan and bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and skin is golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.

Notes

For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the stuffing.
To make ahead, prepare the rice stuffing up to one day in advance and refrigerate.
For extra crispiness, broil the hens for 3–5 minutes at the end of roasting.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 540 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 180 mg