Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: The Ultimate Recipe

Name: Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: The Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 Cornish game hens (about 1.5 lbs each); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 cups stale bread cubes; 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely chopped; 0.5 cup celery, finely chopped; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 0.5 teaspoon dried sage; 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary; 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste

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Discover how to prepare elegant and incredibly flavorful Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated weeknight dinner, this dish features tender, juicy hens filled with a savory herb stuffing and roasted to golden-brown perfection. It’s a meal that truly impresses.

This recipe transforms a simple ingredient into a centerpiece-worthy dish. We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your hens are moist, your stuffing is delicious, and your presentation is flawless. Get ready to create a memorable dining experience.

A step-by-step image showing the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens being prepared for the oven, rubbed with a seasoned butter. — A generous rub with seasoned butter is key to flavorful meat and crispy skin.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe

Elegant Presentation: Cornish hens have a naturally sophisticated look that elevates any meal.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of a savory herb stuffing and a rich butter rub creates deep, satisfying flavor.
Surprisingly Simple: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward and achievable for cooks of all skill levels.
Perfectly Portioned: One hen is the perfect single serving, making plating simple and elegant.

What Are Cornish Game Hens?

A Cornish game hen is a specific breed of broiler chicken, known for its small size and tender meat. Typically weighing between one and two pounds, they are young chickens, which contributes to their incredibly delicate texture. Their small size makes them ideal for individual servings, adding a touch of elegance to any dinner table. They have a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of herbs, spices, and stuffings.

Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Cornish Hens

For the Cornish Hens:

2 Cornish game hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Classic Herb Stuffing:

4 cups stale bread cubes
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Herb Stuffing

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the sage, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Slowly drizzle in the chicken broth and toss gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Cornish Hens

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the Cornish hens from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. A dry skin is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy finish. Remove any giblets from the cavities.

3. Make the Herb Butter Rub

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until you have a smooth, seasoned paste.

4. Stuff and Season the Hens

Loosely fill the cavity of each hen with the prepared stuffing. Do not pack it in too tightly, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Gently separate the skin from the breast meat and spread some of the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the hens, covering them completely. For a classic look and even cooking, truss the legs together with kitchen twine.

Two roasted Cornish game hens served on a platter with roasted vegetables. The skin is golden and crispy, ready for a delicious meal. — An elegant meal doesn't have to be complicated. These hens are surprisingly simple to prepare.

5. Roast to Perfection

Place the stuffed hens on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) registers 165°F (74°C). The stuffing should also reach 165°F.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Don’t Overstuff: Packing the stuffing too tightly will make it dense and prevent it from cooking through.
Ensure Dry Skin: Patting the hens completely dry before seasoning is the secret to crispy, golden skin.
Rest the Hens: Always let the hens rest for 10 minutes after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender.
Internal Temperature is Key: Rely on a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat poultry every time.

What to Serve with Your Hens

These Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are the star of the show, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a truly special meal, try our delicious Crack Green Beans Recipe. A light and refreshing Cucumber Ranch Salad also makes a wonderful accompaniment.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover Cornish hens and stuffing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hen in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proper internal temperature for cooked Cornish hens?

A Cornish hen is safely cooked when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). The center of the stuffing should also reach this temperature.

How do you keep Cornish hens from drying out?

To keep them moist, rub a generous amount of softened butter both over and under the skin. Also, be careful not to overcook them—use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Letting the hens rest for 10 minutes after roasting is also crucial for juicy meat.

Can I prepare Stuffed Cornish Game Hens ahead of time?

You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the hens up to one day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. We recommend making the herb butter and seasoning the hens just before roasting for the best results.

Do I have to truss the hens?

Trussing is not strictly necessary, but it helps the hen cook more evenly and creates a more compact, attractive presentation. Tying the legs together with kitchen twine prevents the tips from burning.

Is a Cornish hen just a small chicken?

Yes, a Cornish game hen is a specific breed of broiler chicken that is harvested when young and small, typically weighing under two pounds. This results in very tender meat.

More Delicious Dinner Ideas

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’re sure to love some of our other dinner favorites. This Boursin Chicken Recipe is creamy and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in. For another elegant yet easy option, try our incredible Marry Me Salmon.

We hope you love this Stuffed Cornish Game Hens recipe! If you make it, please let us know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Pinterest!

A perfectly roasted Stuffed Cornish Game Hen on a platter, showcasing its golden-brown, crispy skin and a savory herb stuffing. An elegant and delicious dinner idea. — The perfect centerpiece for your next special dinner: our Stuffed Cornish Game Hens!

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe

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