Description
These Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a perfect dish for an elegant dinner or holiday gathering. Tender, juicy hens are roasted to golden perfection and filled with a delicious stuffing made from bread cubes, cranberries, nuts, and aromatic herbs. This impressive yet simple recipe is ideal for a gourmet meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cornish Hens:
- 2 Cornish game hens (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 (preferably day-old)
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried sage or thyme
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a roasting pan with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the stuffing: In a bowl, mix the bread cubes, onion, celery, cranberries, nuts, garlic, salt, pepper, and sage. Add the chicken broth and melted butter, stirring until the mixture is moistened. Set aside.
- Season the hens: Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil or melted butter, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Stuff the hens: Spoon the stuffing into the cavity of each hen, packing gently. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired.
- Roast the hens: Place them on a roasting rack or directly in the pan, breast side up. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes