Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

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Cornish game hens are a fantastic way to create an elegant and flavorful meal that feels both gourmet and comforting. These petite birds, when roasted to golden perfection and stuffed with a delicious medley of ingredients, make a stunning centerpiece for any dinner. Whether you’re preparing a special holiday feast or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers tender, juicy hens with a perfectly balanced stuffing.

A Gourmet Yet Simple Dish

Stuffed Cornish game hens offer a refined alternative to traditional roasted chicken. Their smaller size allows for quicker cooking while still delivering a depth of flavor. The stuffing, made with a blend of herbs, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, enhances the birds with rich and savory notes.

This dish is perfect for individual servings, making it an excellent choice for an intimate dinner party or a romantic meal. The crisp, golden skin, combined with the juicy, flavorful meat and stuffing, creates an irresistible bite every time.

Ingredients for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

To create these succulent stuffed Cornish game hens, you’ll need a combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in enhancing the dish, from the juicy hens to the aromatic stuffing.

For the Cornish Hens:

• 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp rosemary (optional)

For the Stuffing:

• 1 cup bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (for a touch of sweetness)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans for crunch)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried sage or thyme
• ¼ cup chicken broth (for moisture)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for richness)

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How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Roasting Cornish game hens is a straightforward process, but stuffing them adds an extra layer of flavor and sophistication. Follow these steps to prepare the perfect stuffed game hens.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a roasting pan with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

In a mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, chopped onion, celery, dried cranberries, nuts, and minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and dried sage or thyme. Pour in the chicken broth and melted butter, stirring until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Set aside.

Step 3: Season the Hens

Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub the hens all over with olive oil or melted butter, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.

Step 4: Stuff the Hens

Carefully spoon the prepared stuffing into the cavity of each hen, packing it gently but not too tightly to allow even cooking. If desired, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together to help hold the stuffing in place.

Step 5: Roast the Hens

Place the stuffed hens on a roasting rack or directly into the prepared pan, breast side up. Roast in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

How Long to Roast Cornish Game Hens

The roasting time for Cornish game hens depends on their size and whether they are stuffed. You want to ensure the hens are fully cooked while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Here are general guidelines for baking at 375°F (190°C):

• Unstuffed Hens: 45–50 minutes
• Stuffed Hens: 50–60 minutes
• Larger Hens (over 1.5 lbs each): 60–70 minutes

The most reliable way to check doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone). The internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C).

If the skin starts to brown too quickly before the hens are fully cooked, tent them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing them to finish roasting.

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How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover stuffed Cornish game hens, they store well for future meals. Follow these storage tips to keep them fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration:

• Allow the hens to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• For longer storage, remove the meat from the bones and place it in a freezer-safe container.
• Stuffing can also be frozen separately in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and warm the hens for about 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: For smaller portions, reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.

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Tips for the Best Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

To ensure your hens turn out flavorful and perfectly roasted, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Pat the Skin Dry: Before seasoning, pat the hens dry with a paper towel for crispier skin.
• Use a Rack for Even Cooking: Placing the hens on a roasting rack ensures air circulates around them, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Don’t Overstuff: Packing the stuffing too tightly can prevent it from cooking properly. Leave a little space for airflow.
• Baste for Extra Juiciness: Brush the hens with melted butter or pan drippings halfway through roasting for a richer flavor and golden skin.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into them. This keeps the juices inside for maximum tenderness.

Stuffed Cornish game hens are an impressive yet surprisingly simple dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal or a special dinner, this recipe will elevate your table with gourmet flavors and beautiful presentation.

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