If you’re craving a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, this Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, juicy game hens roasted to golden perfection with herby, savory stuffing nestled inside, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that makes any dinner feel special, whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering. Plus, these petite birds cook faster than a whole chicken, giving you delicious results without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe to life, you only need a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that pack incredible flavor. Each one plays a key role, from the buttery richness to the bright herbs and the hearty stuffing that makes every bite memorable.
- 2 Cornish game hens: These small, tender birds offer a perfect individual portion with a delightful texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the stuffing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a warm, savory kick that enhances all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Melts into the stuffing and under the skin for juiciness and richness.
- 1 cup bread cubes or 1 cup cooked rice: The base for the stuffing, providing texture and substance.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Offers a fragrant, piney note that pairs beautifully with poultry.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Contributes subtle earthiness that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the stuffing with a fresh, herbal lift.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve crisp, flavorful skin on the hens.
- 1 lemon, sliced: Adds fresh zest and a lovely citrus aroma when roasted on the bird.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and infuses it with savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant. This step unlocks the sweet and savory foundation that will flavor your stuffing beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mix
Next, stir in your bread cubes or cooked rice along with the fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cook the mixture gently until it’s moist but not soggy—this balance is key to stuffing perfection. Then set it aside to cool so it’s ready to fill the hens.
Step 3: Prep Your Game Hens
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels. Dry skin will crisp up better when roasting, which is exactly what you want for that perfect finish.
Step 4: Add Butter and Herbs Under the Skin
Carefully separate the skin from the breast meat without tearing it. Slide some butter and fresh herbs under the skin to keep the meat tender and infuse it with flavor as it roasts. This little trick makes a big difference in juiciness and aroma.
Step 5: Stuff and Tie the Hens
Fill each hen’s cavity with the cooled stuffing mixture, packing it gently but fully. Then tie the legs together with kitchen twine to hold everything in place while roasting and give the hens a neat presentation.
Step 6: Season and Add Lemon
Rub each hen with olive oil, ensuring every nook is coated. Season the skin generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, then tuck lemon slices onto and inside the hens to add bright, citrus flavor that melts into the meat as it cooks.
Step 7: Roast to Perfection
Place your stuffed hens on a roasting rack inside a pan and roast for 50 to 60 minutes, occasionally basting the birds with their own juices to keep them flavorful and moist. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe, tender meat.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the hens rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for juicy, flavorful bites every time.
How to Serve Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme and a few lemon wedges can brighten the plate and echo the flavors you’ve built in the dish. A light sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness just before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve these hens alongside seasonal roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant green salad for a balanced meal. The richness of the hens pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides that add contrast and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, plate each hen individually on a large dinner plate with stuffing mounded beside it, drizzling pan juices over the top. Decorating the platter with lemon slices and herbs creates an inviting presentation that’s perfect for sharing around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover stuffed Cornish game hens can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the stuffing if possible to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked hens wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the hens and stuffing separately if you want to preserve the ideal texture on reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the skin from drying out while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use rice instead of bread cubes for the stuffing?
Absolutely! Cooked rice makes a great gluten-free alternative and still holds the herbs and seasoning well, giving the stuffing a moist, tender texture.
How do I tell when the Cornish game hens are fully cooked?
The internal temperature is your best guide—165°F taken with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg ensures the hens are safe and perfectly cooked.
Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can make the stuffing a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and cool before stuffing the hens right before roasting to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Is it necessary to tie the legs of the hens?
While not mandatory, tying the legs helps the hens cook evenly and keeps the stuffing securely inside, giving your dish a beautiful, uniform appearance.
What herbs work best in the stuffing?
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley are classic choices that complement poultry beautifully. Feel free to experiment by adding sage or tarragon for a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe is a true joy to make and share, combining simple ingredients into an elegant, flavorful feast. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night you want to treat yourself, these game hens deliver tender meat, irresistible stuffing, and a warmth that fills your home. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly impressive it tastes!
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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens recipe features tender and juicy hens filled with a flavorful herb and bread or rice stuffing. Roasted to perfection with butter, fresh herbs, and lemon slices, this dish delivers a comforting and elegant meal suitable for special occasions or a delightful family dinner.
Ingredients
Game Hens
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
Stuffing
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup bread cubes or 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare Stuffing: Stir in the bread cubes or cooked rice, fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cook the mixture gently until moist but not soggy, allowing flavors to combine. Remove from heat and let the stuffing cool.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Hens: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels.
- Butter Under Skin: Carefully separate the skin from the breast meat of each hen. Insert some butter along with chopped herbs underneath the skin for added moisture and flavor.
- Stuff the Hens: Fill the cavity of each hen with the cooled herb stuffing. Secure the legs with kitchen twine to hold the stuffing in place during roasting.
- Season Hens: Rub the olive oil evenly all over the hens. Season the skin with salt, pepper, and additional herbs as desired. Place lemon slices on top or inside the hens for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Roast: Place the hens on a rack inside a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, occasionally basting with pan juices. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Use bread cubes for a traditional stuffing texture or cooked rice for a gluten-free option.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Resting the hens allows the juices to settle, resulting in a juicier bird.
- Kitchen twine helps keep stuffing in place and maintains the shape of the hens during roasting.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or supplemented with dried herbs if needed, adjusting quantities accordingly.
