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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

This recipe for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens offers a charming and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions or intimate dinners. Tender Cornish hens are seasoned and filled with a savory stuffing made from sautéed vegetables, bread crumbs, dried fruit, nuts, and fresh herbs, then roasted to golden perfection. Basting with white wine or apple juice keeps the birds moist and adds a touch of sweetness, resulting in a delicious, well-balanced meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hens

  • 4 Cornish game hens, thawed (if frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Stuffing

  • 1 cup bread crumbs (or cubed bread)
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For Roasting

  • 1/4 cup white wine or apple juice (for basting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Stuffing: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, sautéed vegetables, raisins or dried cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, fresh parsley, chicken broth, and melted butter. Mix well to evenly moisten the bread crumbs. Season the stuffing with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.
  2. Season the Hens: Pat each Cornish game hen dry using paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil. Generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and paprika, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
  3. Stuff the Hens: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture into the cavity of each hen, packing it in tightly to ensure it stays in place during roasting. If there is any leftover stuffing, transfer it to a small baking dish to cook alongside the hens or discard.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the hens for roasting.
  5. Roast the Hens: Place the stuffed hens breast-side up in a roasting pan. Pour the white wine or apple juice into the bottom of the pan for basting. Roast the hens for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns golden and crispy. Baste the hens occasionally every 20 to 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep them moist and flavorful.
  6. Rest the Hens: Once roasting is complete, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.

Notes

  • If you prefer, you can substitute apple juice for white wine to keep the dish alcohol-free.
  • Using dried cranberries instead of raisins adds a slightly tart contrast to the sweet and savory stuffing.
  • To make the stuffing gluten-free, replace bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit entirely.
  • For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs like rosemary to the seasoning mix.
  • Ensure the hens are fully thawed before preparing to promote even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, Cornish Hens Recipe, Stuffed Poultry, Roasted Cornish Game Hens, Holiday Dinner, Easy Dinner Recipe

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/stuffed-cornish-game-hens-recipe/