Stuffed Cornish Hens
Juicy stuffed Cornish hens are baked to perfection with flavorful bread stuffing, seasoned butter, and aromatic herbs, making an impressive and delicious centerpiece for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, salt, minced onion, chopped celery, poultry seasoning, and chicken stock or water in a bowl to prepare the stuffing.
- Stuff the mixture into the Cornish hens.
- Brush the hens with melted butter and season to taste.
- Roast at 350°F for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
- During roasting, add water if needed to keep moist.
- Baste the hens often during cooking.
- Raise oven temperature to 400°F for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Garnish may be added on the serving platter for color.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful stuffing, consider adding chopped mushrooms or dried cranberries for sweetness. If you don't have poultry seasoning, a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary works well. You can also substitute the bread crumbs with crushed crackers for a different texture. Ensure the Cornish hens are thawed completely for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed Cornish hens with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a savory stuffing. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or citrus slices for added color. This dish is perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed Cornish hens should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water can help maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cornish Hens contains roughly 1216 calories, with 9g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and stuff the hens just before roasting to ensure freshness. This can save time on the day of serving and allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
What is the best way to tell if the hens are done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the Cornish hens. They should reach at least 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. If you don't have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when pierced and that the meat is no longer pink.
Can I use a different type of bird for this recipe?
While Cornish hens are ideal for this recipe due to their size and flavor, you can substitute with small game hens or even chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as larger birds will require more time to cook through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).