Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing is a beautiful holiday meal made with tender roasted hens filled with a warm, flavorful stuffing of apples, cranberries, onions, herbs, and rice. It reminds me of those festive winter dinners when individual hens made everyone feel special, and the aroma of sweet apples and savory herbs filled the house with cozy holiday warmth. This dish is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any elegant dinner when you want something comforting, charming, and full of seasonal flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the hens:
2 Cornish hens
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
For the apple-cranberry rice stuffing:
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 apple (peeled and diced)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 cups cooked rice
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For serving (optional):
Fresh herbs
Pan drippings or gravy
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
STEP 1: MAKE THE RICE
• Cook the Rice: Prepare 2 cups of cooked rice according to package instructions so it’s ready for the stuffing.
Tip: Use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.
STEP 2: MAKE THE STUFFING
• Sauté the Onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Tip: Don’t rush this step; softened onions add sweetness to the stuffing.
• Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced apple, dried cranberries, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and cooked rice. Mix well and warm everything through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Tip: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy holiday twist.
STEP 3: PREP THE CORNISH HENS
• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Season the Hens: Pat the hens dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried thyme over the skin.
Tip: Patting the hens dry helps the skin get crispier.
STEP 4: STUFF AND TIE THE HENS
• Stuff the Cavities: Spoon the apple-cranberry rice stuffing inside each hen, packing gently without overfilling.
Tip: Don’t pack too tightly; the stuffing needs space to heat evenly.
• Tie the Legs: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together for even roasting.
STEP 5: ROAST THE HENS
• Place in Baking Dish: Arrange hens in a roasting pan or large baking dish, breast-side up.
• Roast Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 55–70 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tip: If hens brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
STEP 6: REST AND SERVE
• Let Rest: Allow hens to rest for 10 minutes before cutting so the juices settle.
• Serve Warm: Plate each hen whole or halved with extra stuffing and fresh herbs.
Tip: Spoon pan drippings over the top for extra flavor.
Variations
• Swap rice for wild rice or quinoa
• Add chopped celery to the stuffing
• Use golden raisins instead of cranberries
• Add fresh rosemary for more holiday flavor
• Mix cream cheese into the stuffing for creaminess
COOKING NOTES
• Don’t overstuff the cavities
• Use a thermometer for perfect doneness
• Let hens rest for juicy meat
• Add broth to the pan if it dries out
• Use fresh apples for best flavor
Serving suggestions
• Serve with roasted vegetables
• Add mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
• Pair with cranberry sauce
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad
• Garnish with rosemary or thyme sprigs
Tips
• Dry hens well for crisp skin
• Use long-grain rice for fluffy stuffing
• Tie legs tightly for even cooking
• Spoon stuffing lightly, not packed
• Save leftovers for soup or sandwiches
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 95 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Per hen, based on 2 servings)
Calories: ~650
Fat: 33g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 38g
FAQs
Why is my skin not crispy?
- The hens may not have been dried well before seasoning. Pat fully dry before roasting.
Can I use instant rice?
- Yes, as long as it is cooked before adding to the stuffing.
Can I make the stuffing ahead?
- Yes, make it a day before and store it in the fridge.
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
- Yes, but you won’t get the same presentation.
Do Cornish hens cook faster than chicken?
- Yes, because they’re smaller, but they still need to reach 165°F inside.
Conclusion
Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing is a festive and elegant dish that brings together juicy roasted hens and a warm, sweet-savory stuffing perfect for the holiday season. The tender meat, crisp skin, and flavorful blend of apples, herbs, and cranberries create a comforting meal that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better. Whether you’re hosting a small Christmas dinner or adding a special dish to your holiday menu, this recipe brings delicious warmth and cheerful flavors to any celebration
