Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: 5 Tips for a Perfect Roast

September 14, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Stuffed Cornish game hens are truly a showstopper at any dinner table! I mean, who can resist these beautifully roasted, golden-brown birds, bursting with flavor and tender juiciness? They’re like little culinary presents waiting to be unwrapped. I remember the first time I made them for a special family gathering—I was so nervous, but the moment everyone took their first bite, I knew I had hit a home run! The savory stuffing, with a hint of sweetness from the cranberries and crunch from the pecans, just ties everything together. Trust me, they’re perfect for holidays, anniversaries, or even a cozy dinner for two. And the best part? They look super fancy but are surprisingly easy to prepare. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

stuffed cornish game hens - detail 1

Ingredients

2 Cornish game hens: These tender birds are the stars of the dish, perfectly portioned for an elegant meal.
1 cup cooked rice: I love using fluffy white or brown rice as the base for our stuffing—it adds heartiness!
1/2 cup diced celery: This gives a lovely crunch and freshness to the stuffing.
1/2 cup diced onion: Sweet and savory, it enhances the flavor profile of the stuffing.
1/2 cup dried cranberries: These little gems add a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.
1/4 cup chopped pecans: For a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that rounds out the stuffing.
2 tablespoons butter: Melted and used for sautéing, it adds richness to the vegetables.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors!
1/2 teaspoon pepper: A pinch of pepper brings just the right amount of warmth.
1 teaspoon thyme: Fresh or dried, it adds an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
1/2 cup chicken broth: This helps keep the hens moist during roasting and adds extra flavor.

How to Prepare Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these absolutely mouthwatering stuffed Cornish game hens! Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions to make it as smooth as possible. Just follow along, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this stunning dish!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheating your oven is key! Set it to 375°F (190°C). This allows the hens to roast evenly and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color. Don’t skip this step; trust me, it makes a huge difference!

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling, toss in the diced celery and diced onion. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. You want those flavors to blend beautifully before adding them to the stuffing!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In the same skillet, add your 1 cup of cooked rice, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure all those flavors are evenly distributed. This stuffing is going to be the star of the show!

Step 4: Stuff the Hens

Take your Cornish game hens and gently stuff them with the delicious mixture. Don’t pack them too tightly; you want the stuffing to expand and soak up all those buttery juices while roasting. Make sure to tie the legs together with kitchen twine if you want them to look extra fancy!

Step 5: Roast the Hens

Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan and pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth over them to keep everything moist. Cover the pan with foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let them roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until they’re golden and irresistibly crispy. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once your hens are out of the oven, let them rest for about 10 minutes. This is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. After resting, it’s time to serve up this beautiful dish and impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these gorgeous stuffed Cornish game hens ready for the oven in no time!
Flavorful stuffing: The combination of rice, cranberries, and pecans creates a savory and sweet filling that perfectly complements the tender hens.
Perfect for special occasions: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or an anniversary celebration, these hens will impress your family and friends!
Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful stuffed Cornish game hens. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But this should give you a good idea of what to expect!

Serving Size: 1 hen
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 30g

These stuffed Cornish game hens not only deliver on flavor but also provide a hearty dose of protein, making them a satisfying choice for your next meal!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your stuffed Cornish game hens turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can elevate your dish from good to truly spectacular!

Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Ensure you season both the stuffing and the outside of the hens well. A sprinkle of salt and pepper on the skin before roasting will enhance that crispy, flavorful crust.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you can, opt for fresh thyme instead of dried. It adds a vibrant flavor that really pops! And feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist.
Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure the hens are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy meat without the risk of undercooking!
Let Them Rest: I can’t stress this enough—resting is crucial. Allowing the hens to rest for 10 minutes after roasting helps lock in those delicious juices, making for a more flavorful meal.
Presentation Matters: When serving, place the hens on a beautiful platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a touch of color. It’ll wow your guests and make the dish look even more inviting!
Experiment with Stuffing: Feel free to switch up the stuffing ingredients! Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or swap cranberries for apples or raisins for a different sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your culinary skills. Now, let’s get cooking and make some unforgettable memories around the table!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect stuffed Cornish game hens? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with my helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

Can I use other types of stuffing?

Absolutely! While I adore the rice, cranberry, and pecan stuffing, you can get creative here. Feel free to use bread stuffing, quinoa, or even a wild rice mix! Just make sure to balance flavors and textures, and you’ll have a delicious twist on this classic dish.

How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) and look for a temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink meat, but I highly recommend the thermometer for accuracy!

Can I prepare these in advance?

You bet! Stuffed Cornish game hens can be prepped a day ahead. Just stuff them, cover with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. If you plan to freeze them, do so before cooking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before roasting. This way, you’ll have a stress-free meal ready to impress!

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need any further tips. Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious leftovers from your stuffed Cornish game hens. You definitely want to savor every last bite, right? Here’s how to store and reheat them to ensure they stay just as flavorful and juicy as when you first served them.

First off, if you have any leftovers, let the hens cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once they’ve cooled, wrap each hen tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps lock in moisture and prevents them from drying out. You can also place them in an airtight container if you prefer. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the stuffed Cornish game hens! Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

For reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that crispy skin and tender meat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hens in a baking dish, and add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to get that skin crispy again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. The result? Juicy, flavorful hens that taste almost as good as the first time around!

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your stuffed Cornish game hens even days after your special occasion. Happy feasting!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.