Indulge your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that combines sweet and savory in perfect harmony! Our Honey Soy Glazed Cornish Hens with Sausage Panko Stuffing is not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave your guests begging for more. Imagine tender Cornish hens, infused with a luscious honey-soy glaze, and bursting with a flavorful stuffing that takes comfort food to the next level. Whether you're hosting a special dinner or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to embark on a delicious journey? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup cooked sausage
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove Cornish hens from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked sausage, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the stuffing.
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Carefully loosen the skin from the meat without tearing.
- Gently stuff the sausage panko mixture under the skin and inside the cavity of each hen, ensuring even distribution.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and soy sauce to create the glaze.
- Place the stuffed Cornish hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. Brush generously with the honey soy glaze.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, basting with additional glaze every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot with remaining glaze on the side.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Allow the Cornish hens to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a juicy result.
- Perfectly Cooked Sausage: When cooking the sausage, ensure it’s browned and fully cooked. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture to your stuffing.
- Stuffing Technique: Be gentle when loosening the skin of the hens. A careful touch will prevent tearing, allowing for even stuffing and better flavor infusion.
- Basting for Flavor: Basting the hens with the honey-soy glaze every 15 minutes while roasting enhances the flavor and creates a beautifully caramelized skin.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are safely cooked and perfectly juicy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite incredibly tender.
- Garnish for Presentation: For a touch of elegance, garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. It adds color and freshness to your beautiful creation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 863kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 72g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
