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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

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Tender Cornish game hens stuffed with aromatic bread stuffing featuring herbs, garlic, and savory seasoning — elegant main course for holiday meals or special dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/2 lb each), thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 oz crusty bread, cubed (about 3 cups)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil and lightly grease.
  2. Rinse hens inside and out; pat dry. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil.
  4. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  5. Stir in bread cubes, thyme, sage, parsley, and red pepper flakes; toss to combine.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Whisk egg and chicken broth together; pour over bread mixture, stirring gently until moistened.
  7. Loosely spoon stuffing into the cavity of each hen (reserve any extra stuffing). Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wing tips under.
  8. Brush hens with remaining butter, then place in prepared baking dish. If desired, spoon extra stuffing around the hens.
  9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden.
  10. Optionally broil for last 2–3 minutes for crispier skin. Let rest 5 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Make stuffing ahead and refrigerate for up to a day before using.
  • For citrus aroma, add zest of half a lemon to stuffing.
  • Use gluten‑free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
  • For richer flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with dry white wine.
  • Save drippings to make a pan gravy — deglaze roasting pan with broth or wine.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/stuffed-cornish-game-hens/