Stuffed Cornish Hens are an elegant yet easy dinner made with tender Cornish game hens filled with a savory herb stuffing and roasted until golden brown. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, special dinners, or an intimate holiday meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Tender and juicy: Roasting the hens with butter and herbs keeps the meat flavorful and moist.
- Savory stuffing: A simple bread stuffing adds comforting flavor to every bite.
- Beautiful presentation: Individual hens make an impressive centerpiece for special occasions.
- Easy to prepare: The ingredients are simple and the oven does most of the work.
Ingredients
For the Cornish Hens
- 4 Cornish game hens, about 1–1¼ lb each
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Stuffing
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Stuffed Cornish Hens
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large roasting pan.
2. Make the Stuffing
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the cooked vegetables and gradually stir in the chicken broth until the bread is moist but not soggy. Fold in the parsley.
3. Prepare the Hens
Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoned butter over the outside of each hen and gently place some butter underneath the skin of the breast if desired.
4. Stuff the Hens
Loosely fill the cavities of the hens with the prepared stuffing. Do not pack the stuffing tightly because it needs room to heat properly.
Place the hens breast-side up in the roasting pan. Arrange lemon wedges and smashed garlic around them, then pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
5. Roast
Roast uncovered for approximately 50–65 minutes, depending on the size of the hens.
Baste the hens with the pan juices once or twice during cooking. The hens are done when the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Spoon the pan juices over the hens and serve with the stuffing and your favorite vegetables.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Cornish Hens
- Pat the hens dry before adding butter for crispier skin.
- Don’t overstuff the cavities.
- Use day-old bread so the stuffing holds its texture.
- Baste the hens during roasting for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that both the meat and stuffing reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the hens rest before serving so the juices redistribute.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe makes a beautiful and comforting meal for holidays and special occasions. The golden roasted hens, buttery herb seasoning, and savory stuffing create an impressive dinner that is surprisingly simple to prepare.
