Imagine serving a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but actually comes together with surprising ease. These Roasted Cornish Hens with Shiitake Basil Stuffing are about to become your new dinner party showstopper - a culinary masterpiece that combines elegant presentation with incredible flavor. Whether you're looking to elevate a special occasion meal or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe promises to transform your kitchen into a gourmet haven.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove Cornish hens from refrigerator 30 minutes before preparing to allow them to come to room temperature.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and release their moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed mushroom mixture, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the stuffing.
- Rinse Cornish hens under cold water and pat dry completely with paper towels. Season the exterior and cavity of each hen with salt and pepper.
- Carefully stuff each Cornish hen with the prepared shiitake basil stuffing, ensuring not to overfill. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help maintain shape.
- Place the stuffed hens breast-side up in a roasting pan. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle additional salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve and serve each Cornish hen with the remaining stuffing, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your Cornish hens sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Moisture is Key: Pat the hens completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Don't Overstuff: When filling the hens with stuffing, leave some room for the mixture to expand during cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh for safe, perfectly cooked poultry.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of white wine to the roasting pan for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 338kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
