Print

Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 742 reviews

This Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad recipe features tender, herb-basted game hens roasted to perfection alongside sweet potatoes. Served with a vibrant kale and apple salad tossed in a flavorful dressing, this dish balances savory poultry with fresh, wholesome sides for a complete, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornish Game Hens and Stuffing

  • 4 (20-ounce) Cornish Game Hens
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (6-ounce) package stovetop stuffing
  • 1 cup Chiquita Bites®: Juicy Red Apples, chopped, divided

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

  • 1 (10.9-ounce) package Fresh Express® Sweet Kale Chopped Kit®
  • 1 cup Chiquita Bites®: Juicy Red Apples, chopped, divided
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Salad dressing from the Sweet Kale Chopped Kit®

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350° F to prepare for roasting the hens and sweet potatoes.
  2. Prepare the stuffing: Cook the stovetop stuffing according to package directions. Stir in 1 cup of chopped apples and fluff with a fork. Let cool for 15 minutes to prevent wilting the hens.
  3. Prepare the hens: Remove any giblets inside the Cornish game hens, rinse the cavities with cold water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  4. Make the butter seasoning: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper; mix well and then remove from heat.
  5. Stuff the hens: Fill each hen’s cavity with the apple stuffing mixture. Secure legs by tying them together and tuck wings underneath to maintain shape during roasting.
  6. Place and baste hens: Arrange hens in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Baste each hen generously with the butter seasoning mixture.
  7. Roast game hens: Bake the hens for 50 to 60 minutes, basting every 15 to 20 minutes with the butter mixture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh and the stuffing reach 165° F for safe consumption.
  8. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Toss sweet potato cubes with the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on a sheet pan.
  9. Roast sweet potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes alongside the hens in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  10. Rest the hens: After roasting, tent the hens loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
  11. Assemble the kale sweet potato salad: In a large bowl, add the greens from the Fresh Express® Sweet Kale Chopped Kit®, remaining apples, and roasted sweet potatoes. Toss with the included salad dressing and the kit’s toppings until combined evenly.
  12. Serve: Plate the rested Cornish game hens alongside generous portions of the kale sweet potato salad and enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Make sure the internal temperature of the hens and stuffing reaches 165° F to ensure food safety.
  • Resting the hens after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist meat.
  • The Sweet Kale Chopped Kit includes dressing and toppings that add texture and flavor to the salad.
  • Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness checks rather than relying on time alone.
  • To save time, you can prepare the stuffing and sweet potatoes simultaneously while roasting the hens.

Keywords: Cornish game hen recipe, roasted game hen, sweet potato salad, kale salad, baked poultry, healthy dinner, apple stuffing, easy holiday meals

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/cornish-game-hen-with-kale-sweet-potato-salad-recipe/