Description
These Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a show-stopping easy dinner that feels perfect for holidays, dinner ideas, and special family meals. With juicy roasted hens, savory herb stuffing, and rich golden flavor in every bite, this easy recipe is one of my favorite food ideas when I want a comforting main dish that looks impressive but is simple to make.
Ingredients
2 Cornish game hens
4 cups day-old bread cubes
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish or roasting pan.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the onion and celery until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked vegetables, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour in the chicken broth gradually and mix gently until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
6. Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels and rub them all over with olive oil.
7. Loosely fill the cavities of the hens with the stuffing mixture.
8. Place the stuffed hens in the prepared baking dish and tuck the lemon halves alongside them.
9. Roast for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
10. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not pack the stuffing too tightly inside the hens, or it may cook unevenly and keep the birds from roasting properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 hen with stuffing
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: stuffed cornish game hens, easy dinner, dinner ideas, holiday dinner, roasted poultry, savory stuffing, comfort food, easy recipe, food ideas