Stuffed Cornish Hens

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Stuffed Cornish Hens are a show-stopping dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful, savory stuffing. This dish is perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or a cozy family meal. With a simple yet elegant presentation, the Cornish hens are stuffed with a delicious mixture of vegetables, herbs, and breadcrumbs, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

I remember the first time I made these for a holiday dinner. The oven filled the house with a mouthwatering aroma, and the sight of those perfectly golden hens on the table was nothing short of impressive. The stuffing, with its blend of herbs and vegetables, complemented the tender chicken so well, and the dish quickly became a crowd favorite. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something extraordinary, Stuffed Cornish Hens are a delicious and satisfying choice.choice.

Perfect for:

• Holiday dinners
• Special occasions
• Family gatherings
• Comfort food lovers
• Dinner parties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Stuffed Cornish Hens will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection:

• Juicy and Tender Chicken: The Cornish hens are roasted to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite every time.
• Savory Stuffing: The stuffing is filled with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and breadcrumbs, making each bite a delicious contrast to the tender meat.
• Elegant Presentation: These individual birds look impressive on the plate, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
• Versatile Stuffing Options: You can customize the stuffing with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or grains, creating a dish that’s uniquely yours.
• Simple to Prepare: While it looks fancy, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Stuffed Cornish Hens:

For the Hens:

• 4 Cornish hens, thawed if frozen
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)

For the Stuffing:

• 2 cups stale bread, cubed (or breadcrumbs)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Cornish Hens: Small, tender birds with a rich, delicate flavor that’s perfect for roasting.
• Bread Cubes: Use stale bread for stuffing, or opt for breadcrumbs. This provides the right texture and absorbs all the flavors.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage give the stuffing and the hen a delicious aromatic flavor.
• Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots provide a savory, hearty base for the stuffing.
• Broth: Adds moisture to the stuffing and ensures it’s not dry, making the dish more flavorful.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Stuffed Cornish Hens:

Prepare the Stuffing:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their aroma.
3. Combine with Bread and Broth: Remove from heat and add the cubed bread or breadcrumbs. Pour in the broth and toss until the bread is evenly moistened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set the stuffing aside to cool.

Prepare the Cornish Hens:

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Season the Hens: Rub the Cornish hens with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper inside and out. Stuff the cavity of each hen with the prepared stuffing mixture, packing it in gently.
6. Add Aromatics: Place the lemon halves and smashed garlic cloves inside each hen’s cavity along with some fresh herbs. These will infuse the meat with wonderful flavor as it roasts.

Roast the Cornish Hens:

7. Place in the Oven: Arrange the stuffed Cornish hens on a roasting rack or a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the bird, and the skin is golden and crispy.
8. Baste (Optional): Halfway through cooking, you can baste the hens with some of the pan drippings to keep them moist and enhance the flavor.

Serve the Cornish Hens:

9. Rest the Hens: Once the Cornish hens are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes carving easier.
10. Carve and Serve: Serve each Cornish hen on a plate with the stuffing. You can garnish with extra fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon for an added burst of citrus flavor.

How to Serve

Stuffed Cornish Hens can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and hearty meal.
• As a Main Course: These hens make an elegant main course for a dinner party, especially when paired with a fresh salad or steamed greens.
• With Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: Serve with a side of rice pilaf or quinoa for a nutty, flavorful addition to the meal.
• With Gravy: Serve with a light gravy or sauce made from the pan drippings for extra richness.
• For a Fancy Dinner: These hens are perfect for an upscale dinner setting, where their presentation and delicious flavors will leave a lasting impression.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Stuffed Cornish Hens turn out perfectly:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best flavor and even cooking, ensure the Cornish hens and stuffing ingredients are at room temperature before assembling.
• Don’t Overstuff: When stuffing the hens, be sure not to overstuff them, as this can prevent the stuffing from cooking properly. Leave a little room for expansion.
• Rest the Meat: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes after roasting to help retain the juices and ensure moist, flavorful meat.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make a noticeable difference in flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations you can try for Stuffed Cornish Hens:

• Wild Rice Stuffing: Substitute breadcrumbs with cooked wild rice for a more textured and hearty stuffing.
• Vegetarian Stuffing: Use mushrooms, zucchini, and other vegetables in place of meat-based broth and for a more veggie-packed stuffing.
• Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing: Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans to the stuffing for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Apple and Sage Stuffing: Use chopped apples, along with fresh sage, to give the stuffing a sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Quinoa Stuffing: For a gluten-free variation, use cooked quinoa instead of bread to make a healthy, grain-based stuffing.
• Herb and Garlic Stuffing: Infuse the stuffing with extra garlic and a medley of fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cooked Cornish hens (without stuffing) for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Storage: Leftover stuffed Cornish hens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Stuffed Cornish Hens easier:

• Roasting Rack: A roasting rack will help the Cornish hens cook evenly, allowing air to circulate all around them for crispier skin.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature of the hens, ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Large Skillet: A large skillet for sautéing the stuffing ingredients helps them cook evenly before being added to the hens.
• Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan: A sturdy baking sheet or roasting pan ensures the hens are evenly roasted.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular chicken instead of Cornish hens?
   Yes, you can use whole chickens instead of Cornish hens. Just adjust the cooking time as regular chickens will take longer to cook.
2. Can I prepare these in advance?
   Yes, you can stuff the hens and refrigerate them a day ahead. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before roasting.
3. Can I use store-bought stuffing?
   Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made stuffing mix. Just add your favorite herbs and vegetables for extra flavor.

4.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the stuffed hens in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Print

Conclusion

Stuffed Cornish Hens offer a delectable blend of tender roasted meat and savory stuffing that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or preparing a special dinner, this dish will surely impress and satisfy your guests.

With its juicy, flavorful meat and a stuffing that can be customized with your favorite ingredients—whether it’s herbs, fruits, or nuts—Stuffed Cornish Hens are a crowd-pleasing choice. The beautiful presentation makes them ideal for a special meal, and the simple preparation ensures you can enjoy a delicious, memorable dish without a lot of fuss.

This recipe is both comforting and elegant, and it’s a fantastic option for creating a cozy yet impressive dinner.

I’d love to see how your Stuffed Cornish Hens turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!