We loved making Stuffed Cornish Hens as a perfect alternative to a large roasted Turkey. Each person gets a whole chicken. You can enjoy them for dinner tonight and meal prep them for the next day.
4smallcornish hensNot more than 2 pounds (i recommend 1.4 pounds each)
4tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted
½teaspoonfresh rosemary chopped
1tablespoonfresh thyme
2teaspoonsminced garlic
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
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INSTRUCTIONS
Thaw the cornish hens in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours before cooking
Make the stuffing
Make the southern cornbread dressing as per the instructions.
Make the glaze
In a small bowl combine the ingredients for glaze and keep it aside.
Bake Cornish Hens
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Rinse the cornish hens with running water. Pat them dry using a paper towel.
Season the outside of cornish hens lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a roasting rack on the rimmed baking sheet. Grease the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
Clean the hens and remove the giblets. (inside stuff)
Season the cavity of cornish hens with salt and pepper.
Spoon ½ cup of stuffing into the cavity of the cornish hens. Spoon them loosely. Packing more than that will make the stuffing fall off.
Tie the legs closely using kitchen twine. Arrange the cornish hens in a way that leaves space for the air to circulate.
Quickly combine unsalted melted butter with freshly minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme to make herbed butter
Brush the top and sides of the cornish hens herbed butter.
Roast in the lower rack of the oven for 20-minutes.
Reduce the temperature of the oven to 375 degrees F.
Roast for an additional 45-50 minutes or until the juices run clear.
Baste the cornish hens with maple and lemon glaze every 10-minutes.
NOTE: if you find your cornish hens turning too brown too quickly, cover them with foil after the 15 or 20-minute mark.
Make sure you check the internal temperature of cornish hens using an instant-read thermometer. Ensure the thickest part of the meat (the thighs) reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Cornish hens stuffed with cornbread dressing
Amount Per Serving (1 cornish hen)
Calories 1072Calories from Fat 675
% Daily Value*
Fat 75g115%
Saturated Fat 25g156%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 13g
Monounsaturated Fat 31g
Cholesterol 485mg162%
Sodium 279mg12%
Potassium 1190mg34%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 78g156%
Vitamin A 923IU18%
Vitamin C 29mg35%
Calcium 88mg9%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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