Go Back
–+ servings
Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens

Delicious Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens for Fall Feasts

Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens make for a comforting, elegant meal perfect for fall feasts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cornish Hens
  • 2 hens Cornish Hens 1-1.5 lbs each for best results
For the Stuffing
  • 2 cups Apples Sweet varieties like Honeycrisp
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries Frozen cranberries are an alternative
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs Whole grain or gluten-free if desired
  • 1 medium Onion Use shallots for a milder flavor
  • 1 cup Celery Optional
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Or use fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Or use fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Adjust to preference
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Adjust to preference
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Can substitute with melted butter
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Or chives for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Roasting pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your ingredients and prepare your workspace.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and celery for about 5 minutes.
  3. Combine the sautéed vegetables with diced apples, cranberries, and breadcrumbs. Add herbs and seasonings, along with chicken broth.
  4. Stuff each Cornish hen with the prepared mixture, being careful not to overstuff.
  5. Optionally, sear the hens in olive oil for extra crispy skin.
  6. Transfer the hens to a roasting pan and roast for 1 to 1.5 hours until they reach 165°F (75°C).
  7. Let the hens rest for 10 to 15 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, dry hens thoroughly before seasoning. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!