Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Picture this: golden-brown Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with crispy skin giving way to tender, juicy meat and fragrant herb-infused stuffing. These elegant miniature birds create a stunning centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Far more impressive than a standard roasted chicken, Stuffed Cornish Game Hens offer each guest their own personal roasted bird with delectable stuffing hidden inside. You’ll learn how to select the perfect hens, prepare a flavorful stuffing, and roast them to perfection for a meal that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens deliver restaurant-quality elegance with home-cook simplicity. Each hen provides a personal portion that feels luxurious yet requires minimal effort to prepare. The contrast between the crispy, seasoned exterior and the moist, tender meat creates a delightful textural experience that will impress your guests.

The aromatic herb stuffing infuses the birds from within as they roast, creating layers of flavor that simply can’t be achieved with external seasoning alone. These petite birds cook faster than a whole chicken, making them perfect for special occasions when you want maximum impact without spending all day in the kitchen.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility—you can customize the stuffing to suit any palate or occasion while maintaining the impressive presentation of a whole roasted bird for each diner. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a holiday feast, these Cornish Game Hen recipes deliver both visual impact and memorable flavor.

Ingredients

For the Hens:

• 4 Cornish game hens (1-1.25 pounds/450-570g each), thawed if frozen
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 teaspoons (12g) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (2g) freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)

For the Stuffing:

• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/160g)
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about ¾ cup/120g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 3 cups (180g) bread cubes (preferably day-old)
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (3g) fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon (3g) fresh sage, chopped
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

The quality of your herbs significantly impacts the final flavor of these roasted Cornish Game Hens. Fresh herbs are strongly recommended over dried, as they provide brighter, more complex flavors that permeate the birds during roasting.

Pro Tips

Select the right birds: Look for hens that weigh between 1-1.25 pounds each for perfect portion sizes and even cooking. Larger hens take longer to cook and might not maintain the same level of tenderness. Thoroughly pat the hens dry before seasoning—this is crucial for achieving that crispy golden skin everyone loves.

Perfect the stuffing consistency: The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until it just holds together when lightly pressed. Avoid overstuffing the cavity, which can prevent the bird from cooking evenly. A loosely packed stuffing allows heat to circulate properly, ensuring both the hen and stuffing reach safe temperatures.

Master the temperature timing: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) to ensure your Stuffed Cornish Game Hens reach 165°F (74°C). Let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven—this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when carved, resulting in significantly more tender and flavorful birds.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hens

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove any giblets from the hen cavities and rinse the birds inside and out under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for crispy skin! In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic to create a paste. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts by sliding your fingers between the skin and meat, being careful not to tear it. Rub about half of the seasoning mixture under the skin directly onto the breast meat and the remainder over the outside of each bird.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Add the bread cubes, chopped herbs, and enough chicken broth to moisten the mixture. The stuffing should hold together when pressed but not be soggy. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff and Truss the Hens

Spoon the stuffing mixture loosely into each hen’s cavity—don’t pack it too tightly as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Cross the legs and tie them together with kitchen twine to close the cavity. Tuck the wing tips behind the bird’s back to prevent burning. This trussing technique helps your Stuffed Cornish Game Hens maintain their shape and cook more evenly.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the hens breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan, spacing them evenly apart. If you don’t have a rack, arrange them on a bed of roughly chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) to elevate them. Roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. If the skin starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is non-negotiable—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your Stuffed Cornish Game Hens remain moist and tender. Remove the twine, and serve each person their own beautiful hen, perhaps with a drizzle of pan juices and a garnish of fresh herbs.

Variations

Mediterranean-Style Hens: Replace the traditional stuffing with a mixture of cooked wild rice, toasted pine nuts, golden raisins, and chopped fresh herbs like oregano and mint. Season the birds with lemon zest, olive oil, and garlic for a bright, Mediterranean flavor profile that transforms these Cornish Game Hens into a summery delight.

Apple and Sausage Stuffing: For a heartier autumn version, prepare a stuffing with crumbled Italian sausage, diced apples, dried cranberries, and fresh sage. The sweet-savory combination perfectly complements the rich meat, making these stuffed game hens ideal for fall entertaining or a cozy weekend dinner. This variation pairs beautifully with a side of roasted root vegetables.

Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the bread in the stuffing with cooked quinoa or wild rice for a gluten-free alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Add toasted chopped nuts for texture and dried fruit for sweetness. This adaptation ensures everyone at your table can enjoy these impressive Stuffed Cornish Game Hens regardless of dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Stuffed Cornish Game Hens by first removing the stuffing from the cavity and refrigerating it separately from the birds. Place cooled hens in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the unstuffed birds tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through.

Serve these elegant birds with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables for a classic presentation that lets the Cornish Game Hens shine as the centerpiece. For a more sophisticated meal, pair with wild rice pilaf studded with dried fruits and a side of roasted asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze.

For a stunning presentation, place each hen on individual serving plates with a small bunch of fresh herbs tucked underneath and a wedge of lemon on the side. The vibrant colors create a restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress your guests before they even take their first bite.

FAQs

Can I stuff the hens the night before cooking?
For food safety reasons, it’s best to prepare the stuffing ingredients ahead of time but stuff the hens just before cooking. Raw poultry juices can soak into the stuffing if left too long, creating potential food safety issues.

How many people does one Cornish game hen serve?
One hen typically serves one person as a generous main portion. For lighter appetites or if serving multiple side dishes, one hen can be split between two people.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount to one-third of what the recipe calls for with fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Is it necessary to truss the hens?
While not absolutely essential, trussing helps the birds cook more evenly and creates a nicer presentation. If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can secure the legs with toothpicks.

Can I cook the stuffing separately?
Absolutely! This is called “dressing” instead of stuffing. Bake it in a buttered dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to crisp the top.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens recipe is comfort food at its most elegant — golden-crisp on the outside, tender and juicy within, with aromatic herb-infused stuffing that transforms each bite into a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a special occasion while being approachable enough for any home cook to master. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your family meal, these personal-sized birds deliver restaurant-quality results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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