Description
This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens recipe delivers an elegant, flavorful dinner perfect for holidays or cozy nights in. With tender roasted hens filled with herby, savory stuffing, this dish is both impressive and easy. Ideal for special occasions, individual servings, and make-ahead prep. Keywords: Cornish game hens, stuffed hens, roast dinner, holiday meal.
Ingredients
2 Cornish game hens
4 tablespoons butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
2 cups prepared stuffing (bread or wild rice based)
4 lemon or orange slices (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the stuffing and let it cool completely before using.
2. Rinse and pat dry the Cornish hens. Season the inside cavities with salt and pepper.
3. Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and spread a mix of butter and minced garlic underneath.
4. Spoon the cooled stuffing into the cavities, leaving space for expansion.
5. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and rub the outside with remaining butter. Sprinkle chopped herbs, salt, and pepper over the skin.
6. Place the hens on a roasting rack in a baking dish and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Baste once or twice during roasting for crisp skin.
8. Remove from oven and rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish is perfect for small gatherings or date-night dinners.
Stuffing options can be customized—try sausage, wild rice, or dried fruit additions.
Make sure the stuffing is cooked or par-cooked if including raw ingredients like sausage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 220mg