Savory Baked Cornish Game Hens with Vegetable Stuffing

Cornish game hens offer an elegant alternative to traditional chicken or turkey for special occasions. These petite birds, weighing between 1-2 pounds each, provide a perfect individual serving that looks impressive on the plate while delivering tender, juicy meat. Our recipe for stuffed and baked Cornish game hens combines the convenience of a straightforward cooking method with the sophistication of a restaurant-quality presentation, making it ideal for holiday dinners, romantic date nights, or any meal where you want to create a memorable dining experience.

Unlike larger poultry that can take hours to cook, these little birds roast to perfection in just about an hour, giving you a gourmet dinner without an all-day commitment in the kitchen. The savory vegetable stuffing infuses the meat with flavor while keeping it moist, and the golden-brown exterior creates a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

What Are Cornish Game Hens?

Despite their name, Cornish game hens aren’t game birds at all, nor are they necessarily hens. These small chickens are actually a cross between Cornish and White Plymouth Rock chickens, specifically bred to grow quickly and produce tender meat. They’re typically harvested when they’re about 5 weeks old and weigh between 1 and 2 pounds.

The compact size of these birds makes them perfect for individual servings, with each person getting their own beautifully presented hen. Their tender meat has a slightly more delicate flavor than regular chicken, making them feel more special and suitable for elegant dinners or holiday meals.

Why This Recipe Works

This baked Cornish game hen recipe has stood the test of time for several key reasons:

• The vegetable stuffing mixture keeps the birds moist from the inside while adding complex flavors
• Roasting at a high temperature creates perfectly crispy skin while maintaining juicy meat
• The presentation of individual birds makes each plate look restaurant-worthy
• The recipe is surprisingly straightforward despite its elegant results
• Preparation can be done ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice looking to impress, this recipe delivers reliable results with minimal fuss. The combination of aromatic vegetables in the stuffing pairs perfectly with the tender poultry, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that elevates this dish beyond ordinary chicken recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe centers around simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create remarkable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delicious Cornish game hens:

For the Cornish Game Hens

• 4 Cornish game hens (about 1½ pounds each)
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Vegetable Stuffing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for creating a pan sauce)

Essential Equipment

While this recipe doesn’t require specialized tools, having the right equipment will make preparation easier:

• Large roasting pan (preferably with a rack)
• Kitchen twine for trussing the birds (optional but recommended)
• Meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking
• Sharp knife and cutting board for vegetable preparation
• Medium sauté pan for preparing the stuffing mixture
• Small bowl for mixing herbs and butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly roasted Cornish game hens with delicious vegetable stuffing:

Prepare the Hens

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the Cornish hens from their packaging and check the cavities for giblets or neck pieces. Remove if present.
3. Rinse the birds thoroughly under cold water, then pat completely dry with paper towels. Drying the birds is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
4. Place the hens on a clean work surface and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prepare the stuffing.

Make the Vegetable Stuffing

1. Heat olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chopped parsley, dried rosemary, and dried sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove the pan from heat and allow the vegetable mixture to cool for about 10 minutes before stuffing the birds.

Stuff and Season the Hens

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, paprika, and dried thyme to create a seasoned butter mixture.
2. Carefully loosen the skin on each hen by sliding your fingers between the skin and meat, being careful not to tear the skin.
3. Spread some of the seasoned butter mixture under the skin of each bird, distributing it evenly.
4. Season the cavity of each hen generously with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff each cavity with the prepared vegetable mixture, being careful not to overstuff.
6. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired, and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning.

Roast to Perfection

1. Arrange the stuffed hens in a large roasting pan, breast side up, leaving space between each bird.
2. Brush the outside of each hen with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for color.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
4. If the birds are browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
5. For extra-crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Rest and Serve

1. Remove the hens from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
2. Tent loosely with foil and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
3. While the birds are resting, you can make a simple pan sauce by deglazing the roasting pan with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits, and simmering until slightly reduced.
4. Serve each person their own Cornish hen, with additional vegetable stuffing on the side if desired.

Tips for Perfect Cornish Game Hens

Elevate your dish with these professional cooking tips:

• Dry thoroughly: Ensure the birds are completely dry before roasting for the crispiest skin.
• Room temperature start: Allow the hens to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even roasting.
• Don’t overcook: Because they’re small, Cornish hens can easily dry out. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Let them rest: The 10-15 minute rest after cooking is non-negotiable for juicy results.
• Truss for even cooking: Tying the legs together helps the birds cook more evenly and creates a better presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your elegant Cornish game hen dinner with these perfect accompaniments:

• Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus with lemon
• Wild rice pilaf with cranberries and pecans
• Honey-glazed carrots
• Fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette

For wine pairing, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Chardonnay complements the flavors of the roasted poultry beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling apple cider makes a festive alternative.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time to make entertaining easier:

• Prep ahead: Prepare the vegetable stuffing up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container.
• Season early: The hens can be seasoned and stuffed up to 4 hours before cooking, then kept refrigerated until ready to roast.
• Leftover storage: Store leftover cooked hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cooked Cornish hen meat can be removed from the bones and frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat leftover hens covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, experiment with these delicious variations:

Citrus and Herb

Add slices of lemon, orange, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the cavity for a bright, aromatic flavor profile.

Honey Glazed

Brush the birds with a mixture of honey, orange juice, and soy sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a sweet-savory glaze.

Spicy Southwestern

Season with chili powder, cumin, and garlic, then serve with a fresh avocado salsa for a Tex-Mex inspired dish.

Asian-Inspired

Marinate the hens in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey before roasting for an Asian flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I stuff Cornish hens with traditional bread stuffing?

A: Yes, you can use a bread-based stuffing instead of the vegetable mixture. Just ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety, as the stuffing is in contact with raw poultry.

Q: How many people does one Cornish hen serve?

A: Typically, one Cornish game hen serves one person for a generous portion. For lighter eaters or if serving multiple courses, you could split one hen between two people.

Q: Do I need to baste the hens while cooking?

A: Basting isn’t necessary with this recipe since the butter under the skin keeps the meat moist. However, you can baste occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor if desired.

Q: Can I cook Cornish game hens in a slow cooker?

A: While possible, slow cooking won’t give you the crispy skin that makes this dish special. If using a slow cooker, consider finishing under the broiler briefly for crispy skin.

Q: Are Cornish game hens suitable for a holiday dinner?

A: Absolutely! They make an impressive alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas, especially for smaller gatherings where a whole turkey would be too much.

This recipe for baked Cornish game hens with vegetable stuffing transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. The individual presentation of these tender birds, with their crispy golden skin and flavorful stuffing, creates a meal that’s sure to impress while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday celebration, an intimate dinner for two, or simply want to elevate your weekend cooking, these stuffed Cornish game hens deliver restaurant-quality results from your home kitchen.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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