why make this recipe
Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a delightful dish that impresses family and friends alike. They are small, tender birds filled with savory stuffing, making them perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners. The combination of flavors from the herbs and fresh ingredients in the stuffing elevates the overall taste. Plus, roasting them in the oven gives a beautiful golden-brown finish that is hard to resist.
how to make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Making Stuffed Cornish Game Hens is simple and rewarding. You begin by preparing the stuffing mixture, which includes bread crumbs, chopped onions, celery, and various seasonings. Once the mixture is ready, you stuff each hen and roast them in the oven. The result is juicy meat and flavorful stuffing cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft.
- Stir in bread crumbs, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and parsley until well combined.
- Stuff each Cornish hen with the stuffing mixture.
- Place hens in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Roast for about 1 hour, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the skin.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
how to serve Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Serve the stuffed Cornish game hens hot, right out of the oven. You can place them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or seasonal vegetables. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a simple salad, making for a complete meal.
how to store Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
If you have leftovers, let the hens cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
tips to make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
- Make sure to season the stuffing well; this adds flavor to the hens.
- Try adding different vegetables or nuts to the stuffing for a unique twist.
- If you want a crispy skin, avoid covering the hens with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
variation
For a different flavor, consider adding dried fruit like raisins or apricots to the stuffing or using different herbs like rosemary or sage.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular chickens instead of Cornish game hens?
A: Yes, you can use regular whole chickens, but adjust the cooking time as they will take longer to roast.
Q: Is it necessary to stuff the hens?
A: No, you can roast the Cornish hens without stuffing if you prefer. Just season the inside and outside for flavor.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed Cornish game hens?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Deliciously stuffed Cornish game hens that are perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft.
- Stir in bread crumbs, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and parsley until well combined.
- Stuff each Cornish hen with the stuffing mixture.
- Place hens in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Roast for about 1 hour, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the skin.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Season the stuffing well for added flavor, and enjoy the crispy skin by not covering the hens with foil during the last phase of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
