Golden and glistening with a buttery herb finish, these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a show-stopping main dish perfect for holiday feasts, intimate dinners, or just a cozy weekend treat. Each hen is seasoned to perfection and filled with a savory, aromatic stuffing that turns this simple dish into an unforgettable culinary experience. Juicy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and layered with deep, comforting flavors, they bring restaurant-quality elegance straight to your home kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for two or looking to wow your guests with a unique alternative to roast chicken or turkey, this recipe offers all the festive satisfaction in a beautifully compact form. Easy enough to prepare with a bit of planning and presentation-worthy right out of the oven, these hens are as delightful to make as they are to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

These hens are perfect when you want to impress without the stress. Here’s why:

Portion-Perfect: Each person gets their own hen, making it feel personal and special.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic butter, and aromatic stuffing creates a flavor profile that’s both hearty and refined.
Holiday-Ready: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a romantic dinner.
Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides—roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, wild rice, or green beans.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the stuffing and season the hens ahead of time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, gather these tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience:

Roasting Pan: A must for evenly cooking the hens and catching flavorful drippings.
Kitchen Twine: Essential for trussing the legs and keeping the stuffing inside.
Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure the hens are cooked through without overcooking.
Mixing Bowls: For prepping the stuffing and seasoning mixes.
Basting Brush: For spreading garlic butter evenly over the skin.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: To chop herbs, aromatics, and prepare your stuffing base.

Using the right tools not only makes preparation easier but also enhances your final result—crispy skin, juicy meat, and evenly cooked stuffing.

Ingredients for the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of richness, aroma, and tenderness in this recipe:

Cornish Game Hens: The star of the dish. These petite birds offer tender, juicy meat and are ideal for single servings.
Butter: Used to baste the hens, it adds flavor and helps crisp the skin.
Garlic: Infuses the butter and stuffing with a warm, savory depth.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley): These elevate the flavor profile with earthy and aromatic notes.
Lemon: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the meat.
Onion & Celery: Classic aromatic base for the stuffing, bringing subtle sweetness and crunch.
Bread Cubes (Stale or Toasted): Form the foundation of the stuffing, soaking up all the savory juices.
Chicken Broth: Moistens the stuffing without making it soggy.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the hens and stuffing.

How To Make the Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté chopped onion and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the bread cubes, chopped herbs, and enough chicken broth to moisten. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the hens under cold water and pat dry. Remove any giblets if present.

Step 3: Stuff the Hens

Spoon the cooled stuffing into the cavity of each hen. Do not overpack. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, keeping the stuffing in place.

Step 4: Season and Butter

Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped herbs. Rub the butter mixture all over the hens, getting under the skin if possible. Season with salt and pepper. Tuck lemon slices under the skin or inside the cavity for extra flavor.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Place the hens breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 50–60 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices or extra garlic butter. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for a more flavorful bite.

Serving and Storing Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

When it comes time to serve, place each hen on a plate and drizzle with the pan juices for a final flourish. Pair these beautifully roasted hens with creamy mashed potatoes, herb-seasoned rice, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green salad. A side of cranberry sauce or garlic green beans can also bring balance to the meal.

For storing, let any leftover hens cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or store in airtight containers. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F to maintain the skin’s crispness, or enjoy cold with a vinaigrette-dressed salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Cornish game hens and regular chicken?

Cornish game hens are a smaller breed of chicken, typically weighing 1 to 1.5 pounds. They cook faster and have a more tender texture, making them ideal for individual portions.

Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure it’s cooled before stuffing the hens.

What can I use instead of bread cubes in the stuffing?

You can substitute cooked rice, quinoa, or even wild rice for a gluten-free or grain-diverse option.

How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. The internal temperature should read 165°F.

Can I freeze the cooked hens?

Yes! Once fully cooled, wrap them in foil and place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 325°F.