Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe: Elegant, Flavorful, and Perfect for Special Occasions

Looking to impress your guests with a stunning meal that’s easier than it looks? This stuffed Cornish hens recipe is the perfect choice. These small, tender birds are ideal for individual servings and make a beautiful presentation on any dinner table—especially during holidays or romantic dinners.

Each Cornish hen is filled with a flavorful, savory stuffing—think wild rice, herbs, garlic, cranberries, or even sausage—then roasted until golden brown and juicy. The result? A dish that’s elegant, festive, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving, a cozy Christmas dinner, or a fancy date night, these hens are guaranteed to impress.

Ready to cook up something special? Let’s dive into this elegant, easy stuffed Cornish hens recipe that turns any meal into a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for individual servings at a dinner party
• Elegant and rustic all at once
• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• Can be prepped ahead and roasted fresh
• Great alternative to turkey or chicken for small gatherings

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hens:

• 2 Cornish hens (1 to 1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

For the Stuffing:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced apple (optional but delicious)
• 2 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (more as needed)

How to Make Stuffed Cornish Hens

Step 1: Make the Stuffing

Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté onion, celery, and apple until soft. Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir in bread cubes and enough broth to moisten. Let cool slightly before stuffing.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 3: Prep the Hens

Pat hens dry. Rub with olive oil or butter, then season inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Stuff each hen loosely with the cooled stuffing. Add a garlic clove and lemon wedge inside for extra flavor.

Step 4: Tie and Arrange

Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Place hens in a roasting dish, breast side up. Add more garlic and lemon around them if desired.

Step 5: Roast

Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Baste with juices halfway through. Tent with foil if browning too fast.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice in half or serve whole on the plate for an impressive look.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or wild rice
• Pair with green beans, glazed carrots, or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Add a light green salad or cranberry sauce on the side
• Drizzle with pan juices or a splash of gravy

Tips for Success

• Don’t overstuff the hens—it can prevent even cooking
• Use day-old or toasted bread cubes for the best stuffing texture
• Resting before slicing keeps the juices inside
• You can prep the stuffing and hens in advance, then roast right before dinner

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FAQs

1. What are Cornish hens exactly?
Cornish hens are a type of small chicken, usually weighing around 1 to 1.5 pounds. They’re perfect for individual servings and cook more quickly than a whole chicken. Despite the name, they’re not game birds—they’re just young chickens with tender meat and delicate flavor.

2. Can I use store-bought stuffing?
Absolutely. If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite boxed stuffing mix. Just prepare it according to the package, let it cool slightly, and stuff the hens. You can also add fresh herbs or apple bits to make it feel more homemade.

3. How do I know when the hens are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. It should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear, and the legs should wiggle easily when gently twisted.

4. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the stuffing and hens earlier in the day. Keep them covered in the fridge, then roast just before dinner. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

5. What’s the best bread for the stuffing?
Use a firm, crusty bread like sourdough, French bread, or a rustic loaf. Day-old or toasted bread works best because it holds its shape and soaks up the broth without becoming mushy.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free bread for the stuffing and ensure your broth is gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

7. How many people does this recipe serve?
Typically, one Cornish hen serves one person generously. If you’re serving lighter eaters or offering several side dishes, you can split each hen in half to serve four.

8. What other stuffing ideas can I try?
Here are a few stuffing variations:

• Sausage and apple stuffing
• Wild rice with mushrooms and cranberries
• Cornbread stuffing with sage and pecans
• Herb stuffing with dried apricots or figs

9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Wrap cooked hens tightly in foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

10. What wine pairs well with Cornish hens?
For a perfect pairing, try:

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• A light red wine such as Pinot Noir
• Sparkling wine if you’re celebrating a special occasion