Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

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These golden-brown Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are the kind of rustic elegance that turns any dinner into something memorable. With their tender, juicy meat and aromatic stuffing, they make a perfect centerpiece for a special occasion or a cozy at-home date night.

Each hen is filled with a fragrant blend of herbs, garlic, and butter, then roasted to crisp-skinned perfection. Whether you’re hosting a small holiday dinner or simply indulging in something extra, this dish delivers big flavor in an individually sized package.

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What Kind of Stuffing Works Best for Cornish Game Hens?

Cornish hens are wonderfully versatile, so you can go classic with bread-based stuffing or get creative with rice, wild grains, or even seasonal fruits. For a balanced bite, make sure your stuffing isn’t too wet or too dry. A good base of aromatics (onions, garlic, herbs) with richness from butter or olive oil makes all the difference.

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Ingredients for the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Cornish Game Hens
These petite birds cook faster than regular chicken and are ideal for individual servings, perfect for intimate dinners or festive gatherings.

Garlic & Onion
These bring deep flavor and aromatic sweetness that infuses the meat and stuffing.

Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley)
Fragrant and earthy, herbs add that warm, rustic charm essential to this dish.

Butter
Butter keeps the hens moist and gives the skin a rich, golden finish.

Lemon
Adds a pop of brightness to cut through the richness and enhance the herbs.

Olive Oil
Used for brushing and helping the skin crisp up while locking in moisture.

Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors without overpowering.

Bread Cubes or Rice
Used as the stuffing base—bread for a classic texture or rice for a gluten-free option.

Chicken Broth
Adds moisture to the stuffing and helps it absorb flavor as it bakes.

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How To Make the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Stir in your bread cubes or cooked rice, followed by chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Let it cool.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Hens

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and insert a bit of butter and herbs underneath for extra flavor.

Step 3: Stuff and Season

Fill each hen’s cavity with the cooled stuffing. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to hold the shape and stuffing. Rub the outside with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and more herbs. Add lemon slices under the wings or inside for added flavor.

Step 4: Roast Until Golden

Place hens breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 50-60 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices. Use a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once golden and cooked through, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices sealed in for a tender, flavorful bite.

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How to Serve and Store Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Serve each hen whole or sliced in half with the stuffing spilling out for a dramatic, delicious presentation. They pair wonderfully with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

To store leftovers, let the hens cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked hens (without stuffing) for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when Cornish hens are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone), they’re done.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the stuffing and season the hens a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and roast them when you’re ready.

Can I use wild rice instead of bread for stuffing?

Absolutely. Wild rice gives a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.

Should I cover the hens while baking?

Not at first. Leaving them uncovered allows the skin to crisp. If they start browning too fast, you can loosely tent them with foil.

Do I need to baste the hens?

It’s optional, but basting with pan juices enhances moisture and encourages that beautiful golden skin.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs?

If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried—just reduce the quantity to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens hit the spot, you’ll love diving into more savory dishes that bring comfort and bold flavor:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with bread or wild rice? Did you sneak in cranberries or chopped pecans for a twist?

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