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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are an elegant and flavorful main course, perfect for special dinners or holidays. Each hen is filled with a savory herb stuffing and roasted to golden, juicy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed bread (day-old or toasted)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat hens dry with paper towels.
  2. In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil or butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in bread cubes and parsley to make the stuffing. Let cool slightly.
  4. Season the hens inside and out with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika if using.
  5. Loosely stuff each hen with the bread mixture and tie legs together with kitchen twine.
  6. Place hens in a roasting pan and brush with remaining olive oil or butter.
  7. Roast for 50–60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden brown. Baste once or twice during cooking.
  8. Rest hens for 10 minutes before serving. Discard any leftover stuffing if not fully cooked through.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure both hens and stuffing reach safe temperatures.
  • For crispier skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
  • Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition