Roast Cornish Game Hens with Cornbread Stuffing
Elevate your next dinner gathering with these exquisite Roast Cornish Game Hens with Cornbread Stuffing—a dish that perfectly balances rustic charm with gourmet flair. Succulent, individually portioned hens are seasoned to perfection, roasted until golden and crispy, and filled with a savory cornbread stuffing infused with fresh herbs, sautéed aromatics, and a hint of lemon. This recipe showcases the comforting flavors of thyme and parsley, while the paprika adds a pop of color and depth to the crispy skin. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or an intimate dinner party, this recipe's elegant presentation and hearty flavors are sure to impress. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to prepare in just 90 minutes, making it a show-stopping yet approachable centerpiece for any special occasion!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Cornish game hens
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks Celery, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Cornbread, crumbled
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves
- 2 whole Lemon, halved
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (reserve the remaining salt and pepper for the stuffing).
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the crumbled cornbread to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, mixing until the stuffing just holds together. Add the parsley, thyme, and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well, then remove from heat.
Divide the stuffing into four equal portions. Stuff each Cornish game hen with one portion of the stuffing. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to secure the stuffing inside.
Rub the outside of each hen with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with the paprika for a golden, flavorful skin. Place half a lemon inside the cavity of each hen, along with a sprig of thyme if desired.
Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting pan with a rack. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the hens (measured in the thickest part of the thigh) reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the hens from the oven and tent them with aluminum foil. Rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Carve the hens and serve with the cornbread stuffing on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7515 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 381.5 g | 489% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.9 g | 514% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1902 mg | 634% | |
| Sodium | 11564 mg | 503% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 440.7 g | 160% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.5 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 77.1 g | ||
| Protein | 516.8 g | 1034% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 1293 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 44.6 mg | 248% | |
| Potassium | 6680 mg | 142% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
