This recipe takes tender Cornish hens and stuffs them with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, then roasts them to perfection. The addition of a rich burgundy sauce elevates this dish to a gourmet level, perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup Burgundy wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse the Cornish hens and pat dry. Stuff the cavities with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Brush the hens with melted butter and place in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the oven for 1 hour, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- In a saucepan, combine the Burgundy wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half.
- Serve the Cornish hens drizzled with the Burgundy sauce.
Interesting Facts
Cornish hens are actually a breed of chicken, not a true game bird.
The Cornish hen gets its name from the region of Cornwall in England where it originated.