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Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens

Golden-brown Cornish hens stuffed with a delightful blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the stuffing
  • 1 cup apples, diced
  • 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
For the Cornish hens
  • 2 Cornish hens substitutes may include small roasting chicken
  • Fresh herbs (optional for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, add the cooked onions, diced apples, cranberries, bread crumbs, cinnamon, and seasoning. Mix well and add chicken broth step by step until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
  4. Carefully stuff each Cornish hen with the apple-cranberry mixture, making sure not to overstuff.
Cooking
  1. Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes to allow the hens to crisp up.
  2. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For substitutions, a small roasting chicken works well. You can swap out the apples for pears or use mixed nuts instead of breadcrumbs for extra texture.