Stuffed Cornish Hens
Stuffed Cornish Hens are a showstopper at any dinner table, featuring tender, juicy birds bursting with flavor from a savory herb stuffing. This delightful dish is perfect for special occasions or intimate gatherings, guaranteeing compliments and satisfied appetites. Impress your guests with this restaurant-quality meal that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Cornish Hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse hens under cold water and pat dry; season inside with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes); set aside.
- Combine sautéed onion and garlic with bread crumbs, herbs, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in a bowl until moistened but not soggy.
- Stuff each hen with the mixture snugly and secure openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Place hens in a roasting pan breast-side up. Brush with melted butter and season again with salt and pepper. Roast for about 1 hour or until juices run clear when pierced at the thigh.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try incorporating nuts or dried fruits into the stuffing. You can prepare the hens a day ahead; just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.