Stuffed Cornish Hen
Elevate your next dinner gathering with these tender and flavorful Stuffed Cornish Hens, a show-stopping dish that's surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfectly seasoned and roasted to golden-brown perfection, each hen is filled with a savory homemade stuffing made with aromatic herbs, sautéed vegetables, and bread cubes, creating a delightful blend of flavors in every bite. The addition of fresh lemon wedges infuses the dish with a subtle citrusy brightness, while a dusting of paprika enhances the presentation with a gorgeous color. Ready in just over an hour, these individually portioned hens make an elegant centerpiece for any special occasion or intimate family meal. Serve them alongside classic sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and unforgettable feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish hens
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks Celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups Bread cubes (day-old or dried)
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried sage
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 whole Lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the inside and outside with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the bread cubes, chicken broth, parsley, thyme, and sage. Mix until the bread absorbs the liquid and the stuffing comes together. Remove the skillet from heat and let the stuffing cool slightly.
Stuff the cavity of each Cornish hen with the prepared stuffing, but do not overfill. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together to help keep the stuffing in place.
Rub the outside of each hen with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting pan or baking dish.
Place a lemon wedge under each hen to infuse it with flavor during roasting.
Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the hens are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone).
Baste the hens with the pan juices halfway through cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
Once fully cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve the stuffed Cornish hens alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
677 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.7 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.7 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 187 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 1050 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.1 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 43.2 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 108 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 592 mg | 13% | |
*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.
