Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a perfect main dish for special occasions or intimate dinners. These small, tender birds are filled with a flavorful stuffing that enhances their natural juiciness. Their elegant presentation and individual portions make them ideal for a festive and personalized meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cornish game hensolive oilbuttersalt and pepperoniongarliccelerycarrotsbread cubes (for stuffing)chicken brothfresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, parsley)lemon

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a roasting pan.

In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened.

Add bread cubes, fresh herbs, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.

Pat the hens dry with paper towels and season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.

Stuff each hen with the prepared stuffing and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.

Rub the skin with olive oil and place lemon wedges inside the cavities for added flavor.

Arrange the hens in the roasting pan and roast for about 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 (1 hen per person).Preparation time: 25 minutesCooking time: 60-75 minutesResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Use wild rice or quinoa stuffing for a gluten-free option.

Add dried cranberries or chopped apples to the stuffing for a touch of sweetness.

Season with Cajun or Italian spices for a regional twist.

Top with a glaze of balsamic reduction or honey mustard for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen or thawed.

FAQs

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, stuff and season the hens, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before roasting.

Can I use boxed stuffing?

Yes, boxed stuffing can save time—just follow package instructions and let it cool before stuffing.

Do I have to tie the legs?

Tying the legs helps hold the stuffing in and ensures even cooking.

How do I know they’re done?

Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the center of the stuffing.

Can I cook them unstuffed?

Yes, reduce cooking time slightly and roast with vegetables instead.

Are Cornish hens the same as baby chickens?

They are young chickens, typically under 2 pounds, prized for their tenderness.

Can I cook more than four at once?

Yes, just make sure they have enough space in the pan and increase cooking time if necessary.

Do I baste the hens?

Optional, but basting with pan juices every 20 minutes enhances flavor and moisture.

Can I grill them?

Yes, spatchcock the hens and grill over indirect heat for 30-40 minutes.

Should I cover them while roasting?

Start uncovered for crispy skin; tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a refined yet approachable dish, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner. Their savory stuffing, crispy skin, and juicy meat make them a standout centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Once you try them, they might just become your go-to for special meals.

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