The Perfect Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe for Special Dinners

Crispy golden Cornish game hens offer a delightful centerpiece for elegant dinner gatherings.

Small poultry options pack incredible flavor potential with minimal preparation.

Herbs and seasonings dance across tender meat, creating memorable dining experiences.

Succulent birds bring gourmet restaurant quality directly into home kitchens.

Compact size ensures perfect individual portions for each guest.

Simple techniques guarantee juicy, well-seasoned results that impress without complicated steps.

When you serve these beauties, anticipation will sparkle around your dining table.

Tasty Twists on Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

• Vegetarian Cornish Hen Alternative: Replace hens with large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, using the same seasonings and stuffing for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap bread cubes with gluten-free cornbread or quinoa, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini instead of bread cubes, and reduce cranberries to minimize carbohydrate content.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, tarragon, or marjoram to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the core recipe structure.

FAQs

• What are Cornish game hens?

Cornish game hens are small, young chickens typically weighing about 1-2 pounds. Despite their name, they’re not a separate breed but a specific type of chicken harvested at a young age, making them tender and flavorful.

• Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before stuffing the hens. This helps save time on the day of cooking.

• How do I know if the hens are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The hens are done when they reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque white, not pink.

• Do I need special equipment to cook Cornish game hens?

No special equipment is required. A standard roasting pan or baking dish works fine. A meat thermometer is helpful but not mandatory. Kitchen twine can be used to tie legs, but it’s optional.

Why Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Make a Great Dinner

• Transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with these beautifully stuffed Cornish game hens that look impressive yet remain surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Personalize the stuffing by swapping ingredients like different nuts, dried fruits, or herbs to match your taste preferences and create a unique culinary masterpiece.
• Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal prep work, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious and sophisticated dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Serve individual hens for a stunning visual appeal that makes guests feel special, ideal for intimate dinner parties or family gatherings where you want to wow everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

• Cornish Game Hens: Small, tender poultry perfect for individual servings.

• Bread Cubes: Base for creating a flavorful and moist stuffing.
• Onion, Celery: Classic aromatics that add depth to the stuffing.
• Cranberries, Nuts: Provide sweet and crunchy texture to the stuffing.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the stuffing's flavor.
• Sage: Provides a classic herb flavor to the stuffing.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy skin and adds richness.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Thyme: Blend of seasonings for flavor and aroma.
• Kitchen Twine: Optional tool for securing the hen's legs.

How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F.

Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Stuffing

• Bread cubes
• Diced onion
• Chopped celery
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped nuts
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried sage

Pour chicken broth and melted butter over the mixture.

Stir until everything is evenly moistened and set aside.

Step 3: Season the Poultry

Gently pat the Cornish game hens dry using paper towels.

Massage them with olive oil or melted butter.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Step 4: Fill with Savory Stuffing

Carefully spoon the prepared stuffing into the cavity of each hen.

Pack gently but firmly.

Optional: Secure the legs with kitchen twine to maintain shape.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Position the hens breast-side up on a roasting rack or directly in the pan.

Slide into the preheated oven.

Roast for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the hens from the oven.

Allow them to rest for 10 minutes.

Plate alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a stunning meal.

Tips for Juicy Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

• Pack the stuffing gently to prevent dense, compact filling that might not cook evenly, ensuring light and fluffy texture inside the hens.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked hens without overcooking or risking foodborne illness.
• Baste the hens with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep the meat tender and prevent drying out during roasting.
• Truss the legs with kitchen twine to help the hens cook more evenly and maintain a neat, compact shape for elegant presentation.
• Pat the hens completely dry before seasoning and brush with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy skin that adds delightful texture.

Storing & Reheating Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

• Store leftover stuffed Cornish game hens in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each hen individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
• Place cooled hens in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Unwrap hen and place in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place hen on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Rotate hen halfway through reheating for even warming.

Best Pairings for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the delicate game hen meat and cuts through the rich stuffing.
• Rustic Red Wine Option: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle earthy notes that enhance the herbal sage and cranberry flavors in the stuffing.
• Herbaceous Cocktail Companion: Mix a rosemary gin martini with fresh herbs that mirror the thyme and sage in the dish, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony.
• Sparkling Cider Delight: Serve a chilled hard apple cider that brings out the cranberry sweetness and provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the roasted poultry.

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent Cornish game hens stuffed with savory herbs and spices create a luxurious centerpiece for elegant dinner parties. Crispy golden skin and tender meat promise a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish game hens (1 to 1.5 pounds or 454 to 680 grams each)

Seasoning Blend:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary (optional)

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a roasting pan with protective foil or parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup and even heat distribution.
2. Create a flavorful stuffing by combining bread cubes, finely chopped onion, diced celery, tart cranberries, chopped nuts, minced garlic, aromatic sage, salt, and pepper. Moisten the mixture with chicken broth and melted butter, stirring until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Thoroughly pat the Cornish game hens dry using paper towels. Massage the exterior with olive oil or melted butter, then generously season with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
4. Gently fill each hen’s cavity with the prepared stuffing, pressing lightly to ensure compact distribution without overstuffing. Optionally, secure the legs using kitchen twine to maintain a compact shape during roasting.
5. Position the seasoned hens breast-side up on a roasting rack or directly in the pan. Roast for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and allow them to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute. Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

• Customize the stuffing by swapping cranberries with dried cherries or chopped apricots for a unique flavor twist.
• Ensure even cooking by trussing the hens tightly with kitchen twine, which helps maintain a compact shape and promotes uniform heat distribution.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing bread cubes with quinoa or gluten-free breadcrumbs, keeping the texture and flavor intact.
• Elevate presentation by using a meat thermometer to precisely track internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender meat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 65 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg