Christmas Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Apple Cranberry Filling Recipe

The Christmas Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Apple Cranberry Filling Recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast, combining tender, juicy hens with a vibrant, savory-sweet filling that truly celebrates the season. This recipe brings together the nutty texture of wild rice, the crispness of fresh apples, and the tart brightness of cranberries, all enhanced by fragrant herbs and a honey apple cider glaze that creates a beautiful, glazed finish. Whether you’re cooking for a festive family dinner or an intimate gathering, this dish guarantees warmth, flavor, and that cozy Christmas spirit on every plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is essential not just for flavor but also for bringing together contrasting textures and festive colors that make this dish so memorable. From the hearty wild rice to the sweet crunch of gala apples, these simple staples create complexity and satisfy every holiday craving.

• 2 cups wild rice: Adds a hearty, nutty base for the stuffing that pairs perfectly with tender poultry.
• 3 cups chicken broth: Replaces water to infuse more savory depth into the cooked rice.
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Provides luscious richness and helps soften the sautéed vegetables.
• 1 cup chopped celery: Brings a refreshing crunch and natural aromatics to the filling.
• 1 cup chopped onion: Offers a sweet, savory foundation essential for flavor layering.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses warmth and an irresistible aroma throughout the dish.
• 2 gala apples (cored and chopped): Contributes bright sweetness and juicy bits that contrast the savory rice.
• ¾ cup pecans (roughly chopped): Adds a buttery nutty crunch for texture and festive flair.
• ½ cup dried cranberries: Delivers a tart burst of color and tang that balances the richness.
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary: Imparts a piney, fragrant herbal note essential for holiday dishes.
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme: Offers earthy, subtle floral tones that marry the flavors beautifully.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the other flavors throughout the recipe.
• ¼ cup honey: Creates a glossy, sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the hens.
• ¼ cup apple cider: Adds an acidic brightness that lifts the sweetness of the glaze and stuffing.
• 4 Cornish hens (1.50 lbs each): Tender, single-serving birds that cook evenly and are perfect for a festive occasion.

How to Make Christmas Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Apple Cranberry Filling Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

Start by cooking the wild rice in chicken broth instead of water to layer in savory flavor right from the start. Make sure not to overcook it, since the rice will continue to absorb moisture and cook further when baked inside the hens. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool uncovered to prevent sogginess.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and soften the onions and celery for about 3 minutes. Adding minced garlic at this point gives the mixture an inviting fragrance without burning it. This aromatic base builds the hearty flavor profile of the filling, so take your time to develop those layers.

Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients

Add the last tablespoon of butter and some apple cider to the skillet for a subtle sweetness, then toss in chopped apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and freshly chopped rosemary and thyme. Give it a quick sauté to marry the flavors before folding in the cooked wild rice along with the sautéed onions, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside—this filling will soon work its magic inside the hens!

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Apple Cider Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider, rosemary, and thyme until well combined. This glaze will give your hens their irresistible shiny finish, balancing sweet and herbaceous notes while keeping the meat moist during roasting.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Hens

Set your oven to 425°F by greasing a roasting pan rack with butter or cooking spray. Pat the Cornish hens dry, which helps crisp up the skin, and place them on the rack, ready for stuffing and roasting.

Step 6: Stuff the Hens

Using a spoon, fill each hen’s cavity with about half a cup of the wild rice and apple cranberry stuffing. Tuck their wings in neatly and tie the legs closed with kitchen twine—this keeps the stuffing secure and helps the hens cook evenly.

Step 7: Glaze and Begin Roasting

Brush the honey glaze evenly over each hen and season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast them at 425°F for 20 minutes, allowing the glaze to start caramelizing and the skin to crisp beautifully.

Step 8: Continue Roasting at Lower Temperature

Brush on more glaze, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and roast the hens for another 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on them: if the skin browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked hens.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

After roasting, allow the hens to rest for at least 15 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite remains juicy and tender. Serve with extra wild rice stuffing on the side if desired for an elegant presentation.

How to Serve Christmas Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Apple Cranberry Filling Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme work beautifully as garnishes, enhancing the festive look and reinforcing the herbal flavors of the recipe. For a touch of sparkle, scatter some additional dried cranberries and chopped pecans around the plate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots glazed with honey and cinnamon. A crisp green salad with pomegranate seeds adds a refreshing contrast while a creamy mashed potato or parsnip puree rounds out the meal with silky comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic-chic holiday table, serve each hen on a wooden board with a carved bowl of extra wild rice stuffing on the side. Alternatively, place the hens on individual festive plates with the colorful apple cranberry filling spilling out for a cozy, inviting look that sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your celebrations, you can store leftover Cornish hens and stuffing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers truly delicious.

Freezing

If you want to save your feast for another time, wrap the hens tightly with foil and place them in freezer bags or containers. Frozen, they maintain quality for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the stuffing separately to retain its texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Brushing a little extra glaze over the hens before warming can help freshen up the flavors and restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for the stuffing?

While wild rice adds a unique nutty flavor and texture that complements this recipe perfectly, you can substitute with brown rice or a rice blend if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and be careful not to overcook before stuffing.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Christmas Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Apple Cranberry Filling Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always double-check labels, especially on broth and dried cranberries.

Can I make the filling in advance?

Absolutely. The filling can be prepared up to a day before and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cool it completely before stuffing into the hens to maintain safe food practices.

How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. This ensures the hens are safe to eat and perfectly juicy.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs provide the best flavor for this recipe, but dried rosemary and thyme can be used if needed. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh, and add them earlier in the cooking process to help release their aroma.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Christmas Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Apple Cranberry Filling Recipe that makes every holiday meal feel extra special. The harmony of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors wrapped in beautifully roasted hens is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a treasured tradition in your celebration kitchen!

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