Stuffed Cornish Hens are a perfect dish for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home. These small, tender birds are packed with flavorful stuffing, roasted to golden perfection, and served as individual portions. The skin turns crispy, while the meat stays juicy and full of flavor. With simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and herbs, this dish is easy to prepare but looks impressive.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a date night, or just want something different, Cornish hens make a great alternative to chicken or turkey. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because Cornish hens are small, making them cook faster while staying juicy. Stuffing them with flavorful ingredients keeps them moist on the inside, while the butter and herbs create a crispy, golden skin. Since each person gets their own hen, it feels special and elegant. Plus, the flavors blend perfectly, giving you a well-seasoned, delicious dish in every bite.
Another great thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can change the stuffing to match your taste—use rice, quinoa, or even vegetables. You can also experiment with different seasonings and sauces. Whether you’re making a holiday meal or just want to enjoy something different, Stuffed Cornish Hens are a simple yet impressive dish that always turns out amazing.
Ingredients
Cornish Hens – Small, tender birds perfect for individual servings. Substitute: Small chickens or game hens.
Bread Stuffing – Absorbs flavors and adds texture inside the hens. Substitute: Cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Butter – Keeps the hens moist and gives them a golden, crispy skin. Substitute: Olive oil for a lighter version.
Garlic – Adds a deep, savoryflavor to the dish. Substitute: Garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme) – Give the hens a fresh, aromatic taste. Substitute: Dried herbs, but use half the amount.
Tips
- Pat the hens dry before seasoning for crispy skin.
- Truss the legs with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside.
- Baste with butter while roasting for extra moisture and flavor.
- Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer—cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How to Serve
Stuffed Cornish Hens make an elegant and delicious meal, perfect for holidays, romantic dinners, or special occasions. The juicy meat and flavorful stuffing create a satisfying combination, and each hen serves as an individual portion. A simple side dish completes the meal without overpowering the rich flavors.
- Classic Feast – Pair with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a full meal.
- Light & Fresh – Serve with a green salad and a lemon butter sauce for a balanced dish.
- Holiday Style – Add cranberry sauce and a side of stuffing for a festive touch.
Similar Recipes
Stuffed Cornish Hens
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 cups bread stuffing or cooked rice
- 4 tablespoon butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ lemon sliced (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the stuffing – Mix bread stuffing, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff the hens – Fill each Cornish hen with the stuffing and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- Season and baste – Rub melted butter over the hens and place lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 1 hour, basting with butter every 20 minutes.
- Check doneness – The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
• Truss the legs with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside.
• Baste with butter while roasting for extra moisture and flavor.
• Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer—cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Perfect for special occasions.