Imagine serving a dish so elegant and delicious that your dinner guests will think you've trained in a professional kitchen. These Glazed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing are not just a meal—they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With a perfect balance of honey-glazed crispy skin, tender meat, and a rich wild rice stuffing, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking to gourmet heights.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the Cornish hens.
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water and then cook it according to the package instructions, usually simmering in water or chicken broth until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the stuffing. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion and celery until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the onion and celery are cooked, add the cooked wild rice to the skillet. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for additional flavor. Remove from heat and let the stuffing cool slightly.
- While the stuffing is cooling, prepare the Cornish hens. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of the hens with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each Cornish hen with the wild rice mixture, packing it in gently but firmly. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and secure the stuffing inside.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey with a tablespoon of warm water to thin it out. Brush the honey mixture over the skin of each Cornish hen, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the stuffed Cornish hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the hens moist while they roast.
- Roast the Cornish hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste the hens with the pan juices halfway through cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
- Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Serve the glazed Cornish hens alongside any remaining wild rice stuffing and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked poultry.
- Honey Glaze Technique: Thin your honey with a little warm water to create an even, glossy coating that caramelizes beautifully.
- Stuffing Preparation: Allow the wild rice stuffing to cool slightly before stuffing the hens to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Moisture Matters: The chicken broth in the roasting pan helps keep the hens juicy and prevents the bottom from drying out.
- Resting Period: Always let the hens rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add an extra layer of flavor to both the stuffing and garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 584kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 54g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 150mg
