Description

Make your dinner feel like a special occasion with these juicy, flavorful Stuffed Cornish Game Hens—a perfect recipe for holidays, date nights, or elevated comfort food. Each hen is filled with a savory herb stuffing and roasted until golden brown, creating a stunning main course that’s simple enough to make anytime. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, elegant food recipes, or a quick holiday main dish, this one delivers every time.

Ingredients

2 Cornish game hens

3 cups day-old bread cubes

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Rinse and pat dry the Cornish hens. Let them come to room temperature.

3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.

4. Stir in rosemary and thyme. Add bread cubes and mix to coat evenly.

5. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring until stuffing is moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Let stuffing cool slightly before spooning into the hens’ cavities (do not overfill).

7. Rub hens with olive oil, and season the skin with salt, pepper, and herbs.

8. Tie the legs with kitchen twine and place hens in a roasting pan.

9. Roast for 50–60 minutes, basting once or twice, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

10. Let rest for 10 minutes. Serve whole or halved with garnish.

Notes

Let the stuffing cool before adding it to the hens to avoid premature cooking.

Always check the internal temperature to ensure proper doneness.

Use day-old bread for best texture—it absorbs broth without turning mushy.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hen
Calories: 600
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: stuffed cornish hens, elegant dinner ideas, easy holiday main dish, roast chicken alternatives, individual serving recipes