Go Back
–+ servings
Savory Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe

Irresistibly Juicy Savory Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe

This Savory Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe delivers an elegant dish perfect for special occasions, combining juicy meat with savory bread stuffing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 hens
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • kitchen twine

Ingredients
  

For the Hens

  • 2 hens Cornish Hens 1.5 to 2 pounds each
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or melted butter
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

For the Stuffing

  • 4 cups Bread Cubes day-old bread preferred
  • 1 cup Onion chopped
  • 1 cup Celery chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth any broth is acceptable
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries or Raisins optional
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts optional, pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons Butter for sautéing vegetables

Instructions
 

How to Make Savory Stuffed Cornish Hens

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  • In a large bowl, mix your sautéed vegetables with day-old bread cubes, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Optional ingredients like dried cranberries or chopped nuts can be added.
  • Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub each hen with olive oil, then season inside and out with salt and pepper.
  • Stuff each hen with the prepared bread mixture. If needed, secure openings with kitchen twine.
  • Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan. Bake for about 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste halfway through.
  • Remove hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Use stale bread for the stuffing for better texture. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg
Keyword autumn cooking, Cornish hens, elegant dinner, holiday recipe, Savory Stuffed Cornish Hens Recipe, stuffed hens
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!