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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a roasting pan with protective foil or parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup and even heat distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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