Description
These Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a perfect easy dinner idea for intimate gatherings or when you’re craving comfort food that still feels elevated. With crispy golden skin, juicy meat, and an herby bread stuffing inside, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Ideal for holiday dinners, quick weeknight meals, or cozy dinner ideas any time of year.
Ingredients
2 Cornish game hens
4 cups day-old bread cubes
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and celery in olive oil for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic, rosemary, and thyme; cook for 1 more minute.
2. Transfer the sautéed mix to a large bowl. Add bread cubes, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Toss until just moistened.
3. Pat the hens dry. Rub each with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and the bread mixture.
4. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Place hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet.
5. Roast at 400°F for 50–60 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F and skin is golden brown.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use day-old bread so the stuffing holds its texture and doesn’t get mushy.
Don’t overstuff the hens—leave a bit of space to allow heat circulation.
Roast uncovered to get that crisp, golden-brown skin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: stuffed Cornish hens, easy dinner, holiday dinner, game hens recipe, quick roasted poultry