If you’re craving an impressive dinner that feels both cozy and elegant, this Herb-Infused Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Tart Cherry Filling Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine tender, juicy Cornish hens bursting with the savory, fragrant blend of fresh herbs, paired with a hearty wild rice stuffing studded with bursts of tart cherry sweetness. It’s a dish that perfectly balances rustic charm and festive flair — ideal for sharing with close friends or family on a special night. Every bite promises layers of flavor and texture, showcasing just how magical simple ingredients can be when combined with care and passion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan is placed on a wooden surface showing four different ingredients separated in sections inside the pan. The largest section holds a mix of cooked wild and brown rice in light brown with darker strands. To the left of the rice, there is a pile of finely chopped green herbs with a fresh leafy texture. Below the herbs, there are dark red dried cranberries with a shiny, slightly wrinkled look. To the right and below the berries, there are small diced cooked vegetables in orange and light green colors that look soft and slightly translucent. The pan handle is metal and shiny. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering ingredients is the first step to bringing this recipe to life, and you’ll find that each item contributes a flavorful piece to the final masterpiece. The careful blend of fresh herbs, wholesome wild rice, and tart cherries crafts a delicious melody of tastes and colors that elevate this dish beyond a regular roast.

Morton kosher salt or table salt: Perfect for seasoning and drawing moisture for a crisp skin on the hens.
Cornish game hens: Choose hens around 1 ½ pounds for an ideal size that cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Unsalted butter: Used room temperature to blend easily with herbs and add rich moisture to the meat.
Fresh sage: Adds earthiness and enhances the poultry’s naturally mild flavor.
Fresh thyme: Brings an aromatic, slightly minty savoriness to the hens.
Fresh rosemary: Offers a piney, woodsy note that complements the other herbs beautifully.
Cracked black pepper: For a subtle heat and depth that brightens every bite.
Whole-wheat or all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the pan juices into a rich coating sauce.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and a slight fruity brightness to the gravy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Moistens the stuffing and lends a savory base for the sauce.
Wild rice blend: A nutty, chewy base for the stuffing that holds its texture after cooking.
Unsalted butter (for stuffing): Sautéing the vegetables softens them and adds a buttery richness.
Chopped shallots: Bring a delicate sweetness and flair to the wild rice mix.
Minced carrot and celery: Provide texture, color, and natural sweetness in balance with the sour cherries.
Dried tart cherries: These little gems pop with vibrant tartness to contrast the earthy rice.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh green note and brightness to the filling.
Red wine vinegar: Just a splash wakes up all the stuffing flavors with a zing of acidity.

How to Make Herb-Infused Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Tart Cherry Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cornish Hens

First, it’s crucial to properly season the hens to ensure the skin crisps up perfectly and the meat stays flavorful. Pat the hens dry and generously rub them inside and out with salt. This simple technique helps to lock in moisture and reveal that beautiful golden exterior after roasting.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

While the hens rest, mix softened unsalted butter with fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. This herb butter will melt into the skin as the hens cook, infusing every bite with fragrant, garden-fresh notes that make the entire dish sing.

Step 3: Cook the Wild Rice Blend

Start cooking the wild rice according to package instructions. The wild rice’s chewy texture and nutty flavor form the perfect foundation for the tart cherry and vegetable filling, making this more than just a side — it’s a star in its own right.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables for the Filling

Melt butter in a pan, then lightly cook shallots, carrot, and celery until tender but still vibrant. Adding the red wine vinegar at this stage lifts the flavors, balancing sweetness and tang perfectly to complement the dried cherries and fresh herbs.

Step 5: Combine and Stuff

Mix the cooked wild rice with the sautéed vegetables, tart cherries, and parsley. Gently stuff each hen with this filling, packing just enough so it stays moist and flavors every bite without bursting out during cooking.

Step 6: Roast and Baste

Spread the herb butter under and over the hens’ skin, then roast them in a moderate oven. Basting occasionally with a blend of chicken broth, wine, and pan drippings keeps the hens succulent and imparts a rich, glossy finish that’s simply irresistible.

Step 7: Finish with a Pan Sauce

Once cooked, remove the hens and whisk in flour to the pan juices to create a velvety sauce. Pour this over your beautifully cooked hens and wild rice filling to elevate the experience with every luscious spoonful.

How to Serve Herb-Infused Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Tart Cherry Filling Recipe

The image shows four whole raw chickens, light beige in color with smooth skin, placed on a black wire rack inside a rectangular metal baking tray. The baking tray has a worn-out golden color with some dark spots and scratches. The wire rack creates a grid pattern under the chickens, lifting them slightly above the tray. The tray is set on a white marbled surface with subtle grey veins, which looks clean and bright. The scene is viewed from above, giving a clear top-down look at the chickens and the baking setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few extra dried tart cherries on top for a pop of color and a hint of sweet-tart contrast. A wedge of lemon alongside adds fresh brightness that guests can squeeze to taste, making the dish even more vibrant.

Side Dishes

Keep sides seasonal and simple to let the hens shine. Roasted root vegetables, sautéed green beans with garlic, or a crisp mixed green salad are wonderful companions. These light sides keep the meal balanced and refresh the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each stuffed hen nestled on a bed of wild rice stuffing, elegantly plated on individual dishes for a personal touch. For gatherings, arrange hens on a large platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and tart cherries to impress your guests and inspire conversation before the first forkful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover hens and stuffing can be transferred to airtight containers and refrigerated for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy the rich flavors again without extra cooking, perfect for busy days after a special meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep the goodness longer, the un-roasted stuffed hens freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly before freezing to maintain flavor and moisture. Just thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before roasting as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the tender meat. Cover with foil and warm until steaming through, finishing with a quick broil if you want to revive crisp skin and a bit of extra texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for the stuffing?

Absolutely! While wild rice adds a lovely nutty texture, you can substitute with brown rice or a rice blend to suit your pantry and preference. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before stuffing.

Is it necessary to brine the Cornish hens?

Seasoning thoroughly with salt helps mimic the effects of a brine, enhancing moisture retention and flavor without the extra step. If you prefer, a quick brine can be used but is not required.

Can I prepare the stuffing separately as a side dish?

Yes, the wild rice and tart cherry filling stands beautifully on its own and can be served as a side dish for other poultry or meats. It offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory anytime.

How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the skin will be golden and crispy.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A crisp dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay complements the herbal notes and bright cherries without overpowering the dish. Reds with good acidity, like a Pinot Noir, also work well.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in serving up Herb-Infused Stuffed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Tart Cherry Filling Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and share the experience with loved ones. Once you try it, this recipe just might become your go-to dish for festive occasions or anytime you want to wow your dinner guests effortlessly. Give it a go — your kitchen, and your taste buds, will thank you!