Best 6 Stuffed Cornish Game Hens With Pine Nuts And Raisins Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of stuffed Cornish game hens, a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate taste of tender chicken with a delightful filling of pine nuts and raisins. These plump and juicy birds are meticulously seasoned and roasted to perfection, resulting in a crispy golden-brown skin that gives way to succulent and flavorful meat. The stuffing, a harmonious blend of aromatic pine nuts, plump raisins, savory herbs, and a hint of zesty lemon, elevates the dish to a new level of gustatory delight. Accompanied by a medley of roasted vegetables, this exceptional dish promises an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for special occasions or intimate gatherings. Explore the detailed recipes within this article to recreate this exquisite dish in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CORNISH HENS WITH APPLE-RAISIN STUFFING



Cornish Hens with Apple-Raisin Stuffing image

A special holiday entrée for eight that needs just 30 minutes of preparation.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped green onions (8 medium)
1 red baking apple, unpeeled, chopped
4 cups unseasoned dry bread cubes
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup apple juice
4 Cornish game hens (24 oz each), thawed if frozen
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup apple jelly
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In 10-inch skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and apple; cook and stir until tender. Stir in remaining stuffing ingredients. In ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan, spread stuffing.
  • Split each game hen in half. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place hen halves, skin side up, over stuffing. In 1-quart saucepan, melt jelly with 2 tablespoons butter over low heat; brush over hens.
  • Bake uncovered 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until hens are fork-tender and until juice of hens is clear when thickest pieces are cut to bone (at least 165°F).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 810, Carbohydrate 57 g, Cholesterol 260 mg, Fat 5, Fiber 2 g, Protein 48 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 780 mg, Sugar 16 g, TransFat 1 g

STUFFED CORNISH GAME HENS



Stuffed Cornish Game Hens image

THIS ENTREE makes an ordinary day special. Whenever I cook Cornish hens for my husband and me, it stirs up warm memories of family times around the holiday dinner table. I bake the extra stuffing separately so we're sure to have enough. -Nancy Aubrey, Ruidoso, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter, divided
3 cups crumbled cornbread
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh mint or 1/4 teaspoon dried mint flakes

Steps:

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, saute celery and onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in cornbread, bread crumbs, pimientos, broth, egg, poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well. , Stuff each hen with 3/4 cup stuffing. Place extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. baking dish; refrigerate. Place hens breast side up on a rack in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover loosely with foil; bake at 375° for 45 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the remaining butter; add garlic, lemon zest, mint and remaining salt and pepper. Brush over hens. Bake 15-30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 180° for hens and 165° for stuffing. Bake the extra stuffing, covered, for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1728 calories, Fat 106g fat (44g saturated fat), Cholesterol 601mg cholesterol, Sodium 3675mg sodium, Carbohydrate 106g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 82g protein.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH WILD RICE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish
1/3 cup toasted pecan pieces, broken
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons dried currants
4 dried apricots, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Cornish hens, patted dry
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Saute the onions and celery until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme and cook for 1 minute more. In a mixing bowl combine the onion mixture with the rice, parsley, nuts and dried fruits and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place 1/2 cup of the stuffing into the cavity of each hen. Tie the legs of each bird together with kitchen twine.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt the remaining butter with the vinegar. Brush the birds all over with the butter mixture and season with salt and pepper. Put the hens on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast the hens until an instant read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170 degrees F., about 80 minutes. Set the birds aside at room temperature, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. Split hens in half through the breast with a sharp knife or poultry shears, and keep the stuffing intact. Arrange birds skin-side up, on a platter, garnish with sprigs of parsley and serve.

STUFFED & BAKED CORNISH GAME HENS



Stuffed & Baked Cornish Game Hens image

Stuffed with veggies, you can serve stuffing/dressing on the side; also goes well with wild rice and/or roasted potatoes.

Provided by AZPARZYCH

Categories     Poultry

Time 2h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 Cornish hens
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1/4 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can mixed mushrooms, drained and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • In a small bowl combine the 1/2 cup melted butter, onion, celery, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, basil, oregano and parsley.
  • Season hens inside and out with salt and pepper to taste, then stuff with equal amounts butter/vegetable mixture.
  • Place stuffed birds in a 9x13 inch baking dish, breast side up.
  • Drizzle with 1/4 cup melted butter.
  • Cover dish and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Remove cover and brown at 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 462.3, Fat 38.6, SaturatedFat 22.9, Cholesterol 200.2, Sodium 401.7, Carbohydrate 4.2, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 1.6, Protein 25

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH RICE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Rice Stuffing image

My mother used to make this for Easter dinner. The rice stuffing is a perfect partner for the hens. Packaged wild rice mix can be used as well.

Provided by MOMMYCOFFEY

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes

Time 2h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 tablespoons chopped onion
⅓ cup uncooked wild rice
1 cup water
1 cube chicken bouillon
½ teaspoon salt
2 Cornish game hens
salt to taste
¼ cup melted butter

Steps:

  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the almonds, onion, and uncooked wild rice. Saute 5 to 10 minutes. Mix in the water, chicken bouillon cube, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 45 minutes until rice is tender and easily fluffed with a fork.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Season the Cornish game hens inside and out with salt, and stuff with the rice mixture. Place the hens breast side up on a rack in a baking pan. Brush with 1/4 cup melted butter.
  • Cover the baking pan, and cook the hens 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover, and continue cooking 1 hour, or until the hens are no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.3 g, Cholesterol 128.9 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 15.8 g, Sodium 1341.1 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

STUFFED CORNISH HENS



Stuffed Cornish Hens image

With a golden and flavorful stuffing, these tender hens are a special-occasion entree perfect for two. -Wanda Jean Sain, Hickory, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h45m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced chives
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, saute onion and rice in 2 tablespoons butter until rice is browned. Add the water, soup, lemon juice, chives, parsley and bouillon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Preheat oven to 375°., Sprinkle hen cavities with salt and pepper; stuff with rice mixture. Place with breast side up on a rack in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking pan. Melt remaining butter and add tarragon; brush some over the hens. , Cover loosely and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until a thermometer reads 170° for hens and 165° for stuffing, 30-45 minutes longer, basting frequently with tarragon butter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1076 calories, Fat 75g fat (29g saturated fat), Cholesterol 415mg cholesterol, Sodium 1097mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 63g protein.

Tips:

  • Select plump and tender Cornish game hens, preferably free-range or organic.
  • Brine the hens for several hours or overnight to enhance their flavor and moisture.
  • Use a flavorful stuffing made with pine nuts, raisins, aromatic herbs, and spices.
  • Gently stuff the hens, taking care not to overpack them, to ensure even cooking.
  • Roast the hens on a rack in a roasting pan to allow the air to circulate and promote even browning.
  • Baste the hens with melted butter or oil during roasting to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Roast the hens until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Let the hens rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Cornish game hens with pine nuts and raisins is a delectable and impressive dish perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or holiday celebrations. By following these tips, you can create a succulent and flavorful dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests craving for more. Experiment with different stuffing variations and roasting techniques to discover your favorite combination. Remember to handle the hens gently, stuff them delicately, and roast them carefully to ensure perfect results every time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will create a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones.

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