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Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing

Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing for Cozy Holiday Feasts

Delightful dish featuring Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing for a holiday feast.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 pieces Cornish game hens Choose uniform sizes (20-24 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup Butter Softened for easy seasoning
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Black pepper
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Unsweetened apple juice Substitute with apple cider if desired
  • 1/4 cup Honey or maple syrup Based on your taste preference
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Yellow mustard can be a simpler substitute
For the Stuffing
  • 1 cup Long grain rice Quinoa is a great alternative
  • 2 cups Reduced-sodium chicken broth Opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist
  • 1/2 cup Chopped pecans Walnuts can work just as well
  • 1/4 cup Green onions You can use chives for a milder flavor
  • 1/4 cup Golden raisins Regular raisins are an acceptable substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin or coriander Feel free to omit for a simpler taste
  • 1 teaspoon Curry powder Optional spice for added depth

Equipment

  • oven
  • roasting pan
  • Saucepan
  • skillet
  • Kitchen Twine

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Tuck the wings of each Cornish hen behind the body and tie the drumsticks together with kitchen twine. Rub softened butter all over the hens and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Place the hens breast side up in a roasting pan and bake uncovered for about 1 hour, until golden brown and juices run clear.
  3. In a saucepan, combine apple juice, honey, and Dijon mustard over medium heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, reserving half for later.
  4. Remove the hens from the oven and brush with the glaze, then return to bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C).
  5. In a skillet, sauté rice with cumin and curry powder for 3 minutes, then add chicken broth and simmer covered until tender, about 15 minutes.
  6. Stir in chopped pecans, sliced green onions, and golden raisins into the cooked rice.
  7. Cover the hens with aluminum foil and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving alongside stuffing drizzled with reserved glaze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, ensure uniform sizes of Cornish hens and do not skip the basting to achieve crispy skin and rich flavor.

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