Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

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When I want to impress without the stress, I turn to Stuffed Cornish Game Hens. These miniature birds are elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough to prepare for a cozy weeknight meal. Their tender meat, crisp golden skin, and the flavorful stuffing tucked inside make them an unforgettable dish that feels far more luxurious than the effort it requires. Every time I serve them, guests rave—and the best part is, they each get their own personal hen.

The stuffing is the real magic here. Made with buttery aromatics, fresh herbs, and savory bread cubes, it absorbs the juices from the hens as they roast, turning rich and deeply flavorful. The presentation is rustic yet refined, and the aromas that fill the kitchen while they’re in the oven are simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe

Stuffed Cornish hens are perfect when you want something special but don’t want to cook a full-sized bird. They’re individual, tender, and ideal for absorbing flavor from herbs, butter, and stuffing. The skin roasts to a golden crisp, while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for holidays or a dinner date, these hens bring a wow factor that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

What Kind of Stuffing Should I Use?

You can use a classic bread stuffing made with sautéed onions, celery, garlic, herbs, and broth—very similar to what you’d stuff into a Thanksgiving turkey. I prefer a rustic sourdough or country loaf as the base, but you can also experiment with wild rice, cornbread, or even mushroom and sausage blends. Just make sure the stuffing is moist but not soggy—it should hold its shape when spooned into the cavity.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your stuffing or seasoning. Here are a few ideas:

• Instead of bread stuffing: Use cooked wild rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Add-ins: Dried cranberries, toasted nuts, crumbled bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Herbs: Swap thyme and rosemary with sage or tarragon for a different profile.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bread or grain mix for the stuffing.
• Low-sodium: Use unsalted butter and low-sodium broth to control salt content.

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Ingredients for This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe

• Cornish Game Hens – These petite birds are the star of the show. Each hen serves one person, making them perfect for individual portions and beautiful plating.
• Day-Old Bread Cubes – The base of the stuffing, bread soaks up the juices and flavors from the herbs and hens, becoming rich and savory.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps brown both the skin and the stuffing. It also carries the flavors of the herbs and aromatics.
• Yellow Onion – Sweet and aromatic, onions form the flavor foundation of the stuffing.
• Celery – Adds a tender crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
• Garlic – Brings a mellow, savory depth to the dish.
• Fresh Rosemary & Thyme – These herbs infuse the hens with earthy, fragrant notes.
• Chicken Broth – Moistens the bread cubes for stuffing and adds layers of flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the birds inside and out.
• Olive Oil – Helps the skin crisp and adds a light fruitiness.
• Lemon (optional) – A slice inside each hen can brighten the overall flavor with a hint of citrus.

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Step 1: Prep the Hens

Rinse and pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring a crispy skin. Trim any excess fat or neck parts if needed, and let them rest at room temperature while you prepare the stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the chopped herbs, then fold in the bread cubes. Gradually add chicken broth, just enough to moisten. Season with salt and pepper. Let the stuffing cool slightly.

Step 3: Stuff the Hens

Spoon the stuffing into the cavity of each hen—loosely packed, not overfilled, so the heat circulates evenly during roasting. If you like, add a thin lemon slice inside each hen for brightness.

Step 4: Season and Tie

Rub the outside of each hen with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and extra chopped herbs. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, which helps the birds roast evenly and retain their shape.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Roast for 50–60 minutes, basting once or twice with pan juices. They’re done when a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C), and the skin is deeply golden and crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat extra tender and juicy. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve whole for a stunning presentation.

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How Long to Prepare the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Preparation Time

You’ll need about 25–30 minutes to prep this dish. That includes chopping your vegetables and herbs, making the stuffing, prepping the hens, and stuffing them. This time can be reduced if you prepare the stuffing a day in advance.

Cooking Time

Roasting the hens takes about 50–60 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Altogether, you’re looking at just under 1.5 hours total from start to plate, making this a relatively quick option for an elegant entrée.

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Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

• Dry the skin before seasoning so it crisps beautifully.
• Don’t over-stuff the cavity; keep it loose so heat circulates evenly.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the hens reach exactly 165°F without drying out.
• Let the stuffing cool slightly before adding it to the hens to avoid pre-cooking the meat.
• Rest the hens after cooking to lock in juices and keep the meat tender.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the resting period can lead to dry meat.
• Overstuffing may result in uneven cooking and soggy stuffing.
• Not checking the temperature could mean undercooked poultry—always use a meat thermometer.
• Cooking at too low a temperature can dry out the skin before it gets crispy.
• Using too much broth in the stuffing makes it mushy—add a little at a time.

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What to Serve With Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

1. Roasted Root Vegetables

Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted in olive oil and herbs make a cozy, earthy side.

2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Rich, buttery mashed potatoes with roasted garlic perfectly complement the savory stuffing.

3. Green Bean Almondine

A fresh, crisp green side dish with a nutty crunch.

4. Wild Rice Pilaf

For a hearty grain option, serve wild rice with cranberries and pecans.

5. Cranberry Sauce

The tart sweetness brings balance to the rich and savory flavors of the hens.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place hens (whole or halved) in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crisp skin.

Freezing

Wrap individual hens tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat hens covered with foil to prevent drying out. For extra crispness, uncover them during the last 5–10 minutes in the oven.

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Estimated Nutrition (per hen)

• Calories: 550–650 kcal
• Protein: 40–45g
• Carbohydrates: 15–20g (from stuffing)
• Fat: 35–40g
• Sodium: ~500mg
• Fiber: 2–3g

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does one Cornish hen serve?

Typically, one Cornish hen serves one adult as a generous entrée. For lighter appetites, one hen can be split between two.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can prep and stuff the hens a day ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge and bring to room temperature before roasting.

Can I use frozen Cornish hens?

Absolutely. Just make sure they are completely thawed in the fridge (which may take 24 hours) before seasoning and roasting.

What if I don’t have kitchen twine?

You can use aluminum foil to wrap and hold the legs together, or skip tying altogether—the hens will still cook fine.

Do I have to baste the hens while roasting?

It’s not required, but basting once or twice helps keep the skin golden and the meat moist.

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Conclusion

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are an ideal blend of elegance and simplicity. With minimal prep and familiar ingredients, you can create a stunning meal that feels gourmet. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a cozy Sunday evening, these little birds deliver big flavor with very little fuss.

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