Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens
Description
These Tropical Stuffed Cornish Hens are a festive and flavorful centerpiece perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. The small birds are tender and juicy, filled with a hearty stuffing of cooked brown rice, sweet pineapple tidbits, chewy currants, and crunchy macadamia nuts. A glaze made from red pepper jelly and pineapple juice provides a sticky, tangy-sweet finish that balances the savory chicken beautifully. The dish offers a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors, combining the richness of roasted meat with bright tropical notes.Directions
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Remove giblet packets from hens; rinse hens with cool water and pat dry.
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Drain pineapple well, reserving the juice.
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In a small saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice and red pepper jelly.
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Heat the jelly mixture over low heat until the jelly melts, stirring occasionally. Set aside for basting.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until tender.
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Add cooked brown rice, drained pineapple tidbits, currants, macadamia nuts, chicken broth, and crystallized ginger to the skillet.
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Stir well and heat the stuffing mixture thoroughly. Remove from heat.
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Spoon about 2/3 cup of the stuffing mixture into the cavity of each hen.
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Use wooden picks, soaked in water, to secure the legs and close the filling in the cavity.
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Place hens breast side up in a roasting pan on a rack coated with cooking spray.
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Baste the hens with the jelly mixture.
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Roast at 400 degrees F (204°C) for 10 minutes.
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Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (177°C).
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Continue roasting for 1 hour or until internal temperature registers 180 to 185 degrees F, basting every 30 minutes with remaining jelly mixture.
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If there is extra stuffing, cover it in a baking dish and bake during the last 30 minutes of roasting time until heated through.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 57.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.9g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 10.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.7g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g7%
- Sugars 2.1g
- Protein 2.3g5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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