Stuffed Cornish Hens are a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or a cozy family meal. These small birds are stuffed with a savory mixture of herbs, bread, and vegetables, then roasted until golden brown and juicy. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and impressive meal that is sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients List
For the Cornish Hens:
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 to 2 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for garnish
For the Stuffing:
- 2 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts, optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Timing
Preparing Stuffed Cornish Hens takes about 20 minutes for prep and 1 hour for roasting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the bread cubes, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients (cranberries and nuts). Mix until the bread is well coated and moistened.
Step 3: Prepare the Cornish Hens
- Season Hens: Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of each hen with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
Step 4: Stuff the Hens
- Fill Hens: Carefully stuff each Cornish hen with the prepared stuffing, packing it lightly. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together if desired, to help retain the stuffing during cooking.
Step 5: Roast the Hens
- Place in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed Cornish hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Baste the hens with the pan juices halfway through cooking for extra moisture.
Step 6: Serve
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Stuffed Cornish Hens (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Tips for Customization
- Stuffing Variations: Feel free to customize the stuffing by adding ingredients like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or different herbs.
- Glaze Option: Brush the hens with a honey or maple syrup glaze during the last 15 minutes of roasting for a sweet finish.
- Vegetable Side Dish: Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the meal.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Stuffed Cornish Hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Stuffed Cornish Hens are a delicious and visually appealing dish that will impress your guests and elevate any meal. With a flavorful stuffing and perfectly roasted hens, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for special occasions and family gatherings alike.
FAQs
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff the hens right before roasting.
Can I use other types of poultry?
Yes! You can substitute Cornish hens with small chickens or game hens, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with stuffed Cornish hens?
These hens pair well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Cornish Hens:
- • 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 to 2 pounds each)
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for garnish
- For the Stuffing:
- • 2 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
- • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- • 2 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- • 1/2 teaspoon salt
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts, optional)
- • 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the bread cubes, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients (cranberries and nuts). Mix until the bread is well coated and moistened.
Step 3: Prepare the Cornish Hens
- Season Hens: Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of each hen with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
Step 4: Stuff the Hens
- Fill Hens: Carefully stuff each Cornish hen with the prepared stuffing, packing it lightly. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together if desired, to help retain the stuffing during cooking.
Step 5: Roast the Hens
- Place in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed Cornish hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Baste the hens with the pan juices halfway through cooking for extra moisture.
Step 6: Serve
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
