Elegant enough for a special occasion yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, Stuffed Cornish Game Hens deliver big flavor in a petite package. These hens are roasted until golden with a deliciously savory stuffing that fills your kitchen with cozy, comforting aromas.

The stuffing soaks up all the juices from the hens while roasting, creating a moist, flavor-packed center in every bite. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or hosting a holiday gathering, this dish promises to impress without the stress.

What Kind of Stuffing Works Best?

The beauty of Stuffed Cornish Game Hens lies in their versatility. You can go classic with a bread-based stuffing featuring herbs, onions, and celery, or add seasonal flair with wild rice, dried cranberries, and nuts. For richer flavors, try adding crumbled sausage or mushrooms.

Ingredients for the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

2 Cornish game hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, halved
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup bread cubes (day-old, cubed)
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chicken broth (plus more as needed)

How To Make the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Step 1: Prep the Stuffing

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bread cubes, cranberries, nuts, sage, and rosemary. Stir to combine, then pour in chicken broth. Mix until moist but not soggy. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Hens

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse hens and pat dry with paper towels. Rub each with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and stuff the cavity with lemon halves and thyme sprigs.

Step 3: Stuff and Tie

Spoon the cooled stuffing into each hen. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep the filling in place.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place hens on a baking dish or roasting pan. Roast for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown. Baste occasionally with pan juices.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let hens rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve whole for an elegant presentation, or split in half to stretch portions.

Serving and Storing Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Serve these hens over a bed of wild rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. A drizzle of pan gravy adds extra richness. For storage, let leftovers cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does one Cornish hen serve?

One hen typically serves one person generously, or two if served with several sides.

Can I prep the stuffing in advance?

Yes! You can make the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before stuffing the hens.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work well too. Just reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Should I cover the hens while roasting?

Roast uncovered to achieve that golden, crispy skin. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cooked Cornish hens freeze well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, check out these cozy meals too:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta — creamy, rich, and totally comforting.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts — a weeknight favorite that never fails.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole — a bubbly, cheesy crowd-pleaser.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti — your slow cooker’s new best friend.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it when the craving hits.

And if you give these hens a go, tell me how it went in the comments. Did you swap in sausage stuffing? Add apples or mushrooms? I’m all ears.

For more daily dishes and dinner ideas, follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are golden-roasted and filled with a savory bread stuffing that captures all the rich juices while baking. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a holiday meal, they’re elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bread cubes, cranberries, nuts, sage, and rosemary. Stir to combine, then pour in chicken broth. Mix until moist but not soggy. Let cool slightly.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse hens and pat dry with paper towels. Rub each with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and stuff the cavity with lemon halves and thyme sprigs.

3. Spoon the cooled stuffing into each hen. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep the filling in place.

4. Place hens on a baking dish or roasting pan. Roast for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown. Baste occasionally with pan juices.

5. Let hens rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve whole for an elegant presentation, or split in half to stretch portions.