Description

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a beautiful easy dinner that feels special enough for holidays, date nights, and family gatherings. These golden roasted hens are filled with savory herb stuffing and baked until tender and juicy, making them one of the best dinner ideas when you want an easy recipe with elegant flavor, cozy comfort, and memorable food ideas for a festive table.

Ingredients

2 Cornish game hens

4 cups day-old bread cubes

4 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lemon, halved

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a roasting dish.

2. Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels.

3. Season the hens inside and out with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the paprika.

4. Rub the outside of the hens with the olive oil.

5. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

6. Add the onion and celery and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.

7. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

8. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked vegetables, parsley, thyme, rosemary, remaining salt, remaining black pepper, and chicken broth.

9. Toss until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.

10. Spoon the stuffing loosely into the cavities of the hens.

11. Place the hens breast-side up in the prepared baking dish.

12. Arrange the lemon halves beside the hens.

13. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.

14. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use dry day-old bread so the stuffing stays fluffy instead of mushy.

Do not pack the stuffing too tightly or it may not heat evenly inside the hens.

Let the hens rest before serving so the juices stay in the meat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 hen with stuffing
Calories: 620
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 185mg

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