If you’ve been searching for an unforgettable centerpiece to wow your loved ones, look no further than Stuffed Cornish Game Hens. These little birds are individually portioned, beautifully golden and crisp on the outside, and bursting with savory stuffing inside. Each bite is juicy and bursting with flavor, and the sight of each guest cutting into their own personal hen is simply unbeatable. The dish has an elegant, restaurant-worthy allure but is wonderfully doable at home, making it perfect for holidays, special dinners, or whenever you want to turn an ordinary day into a celebration.

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magically simple about what goes into Stuffed Cornish Game Hens. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen—bringing color, fragrance, tenderness, or a pop of flavor—so together, they create an experience far greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Cornish game hens: These petite birds deliver juicy, tender meat and an eye-catching presentation for individual servings.
Day-old bread cubes: Absorbs the flavorful juices and keeps the stuffing moist without getting soggy.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the stuffing.
Celery (diced): Brings a lovely crunch and earthiness to the mix.
Unsalted butter: Richens the stuffing and helps brown the skin beautifully.
Chicken broth: Keeps everything wonderfully moist and infuses extra savory depth.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Lends unmistakable fresh-herb aroma while roasting.
Garlic (minced): Boosts the flavor profile with savory undertones throughout the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for highlighting every single flavor in this recipe.
Olive oil: Encourages a crisp, golden skin.
Lemon wedges (for roasting and garnish): Impart a subtle brightness and make for a beautiful plate.

How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in bread cubes and fresh herbs, mixing everything together. Moisten the mixture with chicken broth until it holds together but isn’t soggy. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let the stuffing cool to room temperature—this helps prevent the hens from steaming instead of crisping up later.

Step 2: Clean and Season the Hens

Rinse the Cornish game hens inside and out, then pat dry very thoroughly with paper towels for the crispiest skin. Rub inside and outside of each bird with olive oil, then season all over, including the cavity, with salt and black pepper. Place a lemon wedge inside each cavity for extra flavor and aroma as they roast.

Step 3: Stuff the Hens

Loosely spoon the cooled stuffing into each hen’s cavity. Be careful not to overpack: you want some room for the heat to circulate, which helps even cooking and keeps the stuffing from becoming dense. If you have any extra stuffing, simply tuck it into a small buttered baking dish to cook alongside the hens.

Step 4: Tie and Arrange for Roasting

Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, helping keep all those lovely flavors inside. Arrange the hens breast-side up in a large roasting pan or on a rack, allowing some space between each for the air to circulate and crisp the skin. If there’s any leftover melted butter, brush it over the hens for a rich, golden finish.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C). Baste once or twice during roasting with pan drippings to maximize that glossy, irresistible finish. Let the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens rest for at least 10 minutes before serving, so the juices redistribute and each bite is juicy and tender.

How to Serve Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Garnishes

No Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are complete without a flourish of garnish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for color, and tuck roasted lemon wedges or a twirl of citrus zest alongside for brightness and beauty. A light drizzle of the roasting juices just before serving brings everything together beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, green beans almondine, or a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette. The key is to keep sides vibrant but not overwhelming, so the flavors of the hens and stuffing can really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling extra festive, present each Cornish game hen atop a bed of wild rice or colorful roasted vegetables, or serve on wooden boards for a rustic effect. For a formal dinner party, consider slicing each hen in half before serving, fanning the pieces out and spooning a little stuffing alongside for an elegant plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, promptly store leftover Stuffed Cornish Game Hens and stuffing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for fantastic next-day lunches or creative second meals.

Freezing

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens can actually be frozen either before or after roasting. To freeze before baking, assemble and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before roasting. If freezing cooked hens, let them cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the hens with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For best results, uncover for the last few minutes so the skin crisps up again without drying out the tender stuffing or meat inside.

FAQs

Can I use a different stuffing for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens?

Absolutely! Classic bread stuffing is always a winner, but you can experiment with rice pilaf, wild rice with mushrooms, or even fruit-and-nut blends. Choose flavors that complement poultry for best results.

How do I keep the hens from drying out?

Be sure to baste the birds once or twice with pan drippings as they roast, and avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer. Letting them rest after roasting further guarantees juicy, flavorful meat every time.

What size should the bread cubes be for stuffing?

Aim for bread cubes about 1/2- to 3/4-inch in size. They should be large enough to hold their shape but small enough to absorb all those lovely savory juices and create a perfectly textured stuffing.

Should I brine the Cornish game hens?

Brining is optional but can add extra juiciness and flavor. If you have the extra time, soak the hens in a simple saltwater brine for 4-6 hours, then rinse and dry them well before seasoning and stuffing.

Can I make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the hens with stuffing up to a day in advance, cover well, and refrigerate. Bring the hens to room temperature for 30 minutes before popping them in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the experience of sharing Stuffed Cornish Game Hens—everyone gets their own show-stopping bird, and the flavors are absolutely incredible. If you’ve never made this dish before, I can’t recommend it enough for your next special occasion or family meal. Give it a try, and watch your guests light up with delight!

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe