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Cornish Hens With Corn-Chorizo Stuffing

Cornish Hens With Corn-Chorizo Stuffing recipe image
This elegant yet comforting dish features tender cornish hens roasted until golden, paired with a vibrant corn-chorizo stuffing that brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to the table. The stuffing combines sweet corn kernels with spicy chorizo sausage, fresh poblano peppers, and aromatic herbs like thyme and sage, creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The ancho chili powder dusted on the hens adds a subtle smokiness that complements the rich, herbed stuffing inside. Ideal for holiday gatherings or special weeknight dinners, this recipe offers a sophisticated twist on traditional poultry dishes. The crisp skin of the hens contrasts beautifully with the moist, flavorful stuffing, making every bite satisfying. Serve with a side of cranberry-mango relish to cut through the richness and add a bright, fruity finish.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 8
Calories: 296.0
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This elegant yet comforting dish features tender cornish hens roasted until golden, paired with a vibrant corn-chorizo stuffing that brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to the table. The stuffing combines sweet corn kernels with spicy chorizo sausage, fresh poblano peppers, and aromatic herbs like thyme and sage, creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The ancho chili powder dusted on the hens adds a subtle smokiness that complements the rich, herbed stuffing inside. Ideal for holiday gatherings or special weeknight dinners, this recipe offers a sophisticated twist on traditional poultry dishes. The crisp skin of the hens contrasts beautifully with the moist, flavorful stuffing, making every bite satisfying. Serve with a side of cranberry-mango relish to cut through the richness and add a bright, fruity finish.
Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon Oil
  • 4 Cornish Hens -- skinless
  • 1 tablespoon Ancho chili powder
  • 3 1/4 ounce Chorizo -- diced
  • 2 tablespoon Defatted chicken broth
  • 2 cup Defatted chicken broth
  • 6 cloves Garlic -- diced
  • 1/4 cup Celery -- diced
  • 1 md Onion -- diced
  • 4 cup Carrot -- diced
  • 1 poblano Chili pepper --
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 450F (230C).
  2. 2
    Prepare cornbread according to package instructions using egg substitute and skim milk, bake in 8x8-inch pans for 20 minutes, then cool completely and crumble into 6 1/2 cups.
  3. 3
    Place oil in a large roasting pan and heat over medium-high heat.
  4. 4
    Pat cornish hens dry and dust generously with ancho chili powder.
  5. 5
    Place hens in the roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes to brown the skin.
  6. 6
    Reduce oven temperature to 350F (175C) and continue roasting hens.
  7. 7
    While hens roast, brown diced chorizo in a dry medium skillet over medium heat until crispy.
  8. 8
    Add diced onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and diced poblano pepper to the skillet with chorizo.
  9. 9
    Saut vegetables for 3 minutes until softened, then deglaze with 2 tablespoons chicken broth.
  10. 10
    Transfer chorizo and vegetable mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  11. 11
    Add crumbled cornbread, remaining 2 cups chicken broth, and chopped herbs (thyme, sage, cilantro) to the bowl.
  12. 12
    Mix stuffing ingredients thoroughly until evenly moistened.
  13. 13
    Transfer stuffing mixture to a 13x9-inch baking dish.
  14. 14
    Bake stuffing for 25 minutes alongside the continuing roasting hens.
  15. 15
    Remove both hens and stuffing from the oven.
  16. 16
    Let hens rest for 5 minutes, then halve each hen and serve with 1 cup of stuffing.
  17. 17
    Garnish with cranberry-mango relish if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 296.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.9g16%
Saturated Fat 2.4g12%
Cholesterol 56.7mg19%
Sodium 191.9mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 32.5g11%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g35%
Sugars 8.4g
Protein 22.3g45%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cornish hens, chorizo, stuffing, cornbread, roasted chicken, ancho chili, poblano pepper, holiday dinner, herbs, thyme, sage, smoky, spicy, comfort food, main course, thanksgiving, christmas dinner, family style, protein rich, make ahead
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/cornish-hens-with-corn-chorizo-stuffing/