Cornish Game Hens with Orange Stuffing
Elevate your dinner table with these succulent Cornish Game Hens with Orange Stuffing—a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or holiday feast. These tender, golden-brown hens are roasted to perfection and filled with a fragrant medley of flavors, thanks to a citrusy stuffing made with fresh orange juice, zesty orange peel, sautéed onions, celery, and herbs like thyme and sage. The stuffing's bright notes perfectly complement the savory richness of the hens, creating a dish that's as aromatic as it is delicious. With a crisp outer skin brushed with olive oil and a juicy interior, every bite delivers a mouthwatering symphony of textures and flavors. Serve these individual-sized hens alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to impress guests with a gourmet dining experience that's surprisingly easy to prepare.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Cornish game hens
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Orange zest
- 4 cups Bread cubes
- 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried sage
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of each hen with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted.
Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the thyme, sage, orange zest, and bread cubes. Mix well to coat evenly.
Pour the orange juice and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir gently to moisten the bread mixture evenly. Remove the stuffing from heat and fold in the chopped parsley.
Stuff each Cornish game hen cavity with the prepared orange stuffing. Secure the legs with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing in place during cooking.
Place the stuffed hens on a large roasting pan, breast side up. Brush the hens with olive oil to encourage browning.
Cover the hens loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 20 minutes, or until the hens are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve the stuffed hens with their orange-infused stuffing for a delicious and aromatic dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7467 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 328.0 g | 421% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.5 g | 482% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1732 mg | 577% | |
| Sodium | 11845 mg | 515% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 530.2 g | 193% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.0 g | 146% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.8 g | ||
| Protein | 565.1 g | 1130% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 1120 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 59.6 mg | 331% | |
| Potassium | 6636 mg | 141% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
