Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. These tender birds are stuffed with a savory mixture of herbs, bread, and vegetables, providing a delightful combination of flavors that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Hens:

• 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the Stuffing:

• 2 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Making Stuffed Cornish Game Hens takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 1 hour for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the bread cubes, dried cranberries or raisins, slivered almonds or walnuts, dried thyme, dried sage, and chicken broth. Mix until the bread is evenly moistened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Hens

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season Hens: Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of each hen with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.

Step 3: Stuff the Hens

1. Fill Hens: Carefully stuff each Cornish game hen with the prepared stuffing, packing it lightly. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Roast the Hens

1. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed hens in a roasting pan or baking dish. If desired, you can add some additional broth or water to the bottom of the pan to keep the hens moist during cooking.
2. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, 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 added flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Serve

1. Rest: Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the stuffed Cornish game hens with your favorite side dishes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Stuffed Cornish Game Hens (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	30g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	15g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Different Stuffing: Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, such as sausage, quinoa, or different nuts and dried fruits.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme for added flavor.
• Glaze Option: Brush the hens with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a sweet glaze.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover stuffed Cornish game hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a delicious and impressive dish that combines tender meat with flavorful stuffing. Perfect for any special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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 until you’re ready to stuff the hens.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked stuffed hens. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.