Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience - our Sausage Stuffed Cornish Hens are exactly that magical meal! These petite poultry parcels are packed with rich, savory sausage stuffing that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner party or craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or breakfast)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Cornish hens cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is moist but not soggy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a crispy skin when cooked.
- Using your hands or a spoon, carefully stuff each Cornish hen with the sausage mixture, packing it in gently but firmly. Leave a little space at the opening to allow for expansion during cooking.
- Place the stuffed Cornish hens breast-side up in a roasting pan. You can truss the legs with kitchen twine if desired, to help retain their shape during cooking.
- Season the outside of the hens with additional salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil to prevent the hens from browning too quickly. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the Cornish hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Serve the sausage stuffed Cornish hens with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your Cornish hens reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Like a Pro: Pat the hens completely dry before stuffing to achieve that irresistibly crispy golden skin.
- Don't Overstuff: Leave a little room in the cavity for the stuffing to expand during cooking, preventing potential bursting.
- Resting Matters: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your stuffing for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the hens a few hours in advance, refrigerating until you're ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 705kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 59g
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 180mg
