Best 11 Festive Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our carefully curated collection of festive stuffed Cornish game hen recipes. These exquisite dishes, bursting with flavor and elegance, are perfect for any special occasion or intimate gathering. Embark on a taste adventure as you discover various stuffing options, including aromatic wild rice, savory sausage and apple, and a tantalizing blend of dried fruits and nuts. Each recipe offers a unique combination of flavors and textures, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you prefer a classic preparation or a more adventurous fusion, our recipes cater to diverse palates and preferences. Get ready to impress your guests and create lasting memories with these exceptional stuffed Cornish game hen creations.

Let's cook with our recipes!

RICE-STUFFED CORNISH HENS



Rice-Stuffed Cornish Hens image

"I found this recipe in a cookbook many years ago, and it's become one of my favorites," reports Gloria Leiding of Fairmont, Minnesota. "It's a nice change of pace from the usual beef or pork. These game hens always seem festive."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, cook and stir the rice, onion and almonds in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or until rice is lightly browned. Stir in the water, bouillon, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 16-20 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in mushrooms., Sprinkle outside and cavity of hens with pepper and remaining salt. Stuff hens with rice mixture. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Melt remaining butter; brush half over hens., Cover and bake at 400° for 25-35 minutes longer or until juices run clear and a thermometer reads 180° for hens and 165° for stuffing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 998 calories, Fat 68g fat (24g saturated fat), Cholesterol 386mg cholesterol, Sodium 1350mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 63g protein.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Stuffing image

A fantastic recipe to make for a special dinner for 2! I make them lots of different ways, but this way is nice for those romantic occaisions and want them to be extra special and pretty. Enjoy! (Photo from bing images)

Provided by Kelly Williams

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 13

STUFFING:
1 box betty crocker homestyle stuffing
1 apple, cored and diced
2 strips cooked bacon, broken into pieces
CORNISH GAME HENS:
2 cornish game hens, innards removed and insides rinsed and patted dry
1 stick butter
1 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. coarse ground pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Make stuffing according to pkg. directions. Add in apples and bacon when fluffing with fork. Set aside. Remove anything inside the hens and rinse inside with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. (Don't rub or you can have bits of paper towel left in there. Not good.) In small saucepan, melt butter on low. Add seasonings and spices. Stir well to mix. Remove from heat. When stuffing has cooled, stuff each bird. You may have a bit left over. Place in small baking dish with lid for extra helpings. ;) Place hens into metal or glass 13x9 baking pan. Tie legs together and tuck wings under. Baste hens with a little butter mixture to coat. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Baste with butter mixure every 15-20 minutes. When done, baste with any last remaining butter mixture over them. Tent with foil covering to keep warm, and let rest til serving for at least 5-10 minutes.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH RICE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Rice Stuffing image

My mother used to make this for Easter dinner. The rice stuffing is a perfect partner for the hens. Packaged wild rice mix can be used as well.

Provided by MOMMYCOFFEY

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes

Time 2h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 tablespoons chopped onion
⅓ cup uncooked wild rice
1 cup water
1 cube chicken bouillon
½ teaspoon salt
2 Cornish game hens
salt to taste
¼ cup melted butter

Steps:

  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the almonds, onion, and uncooked wild rice. Saute 5 to 10 minutes. Mix in the water, chicken bouillon cube, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 45 minutes until rice is tender and easily fluffed with a fork.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Season the Cornish game hens inside and out with salt, and stuff with the rice mixture. Place the hens breast side up on a rack in a baking pan. Brush with 1/4 cup melted butter.
  • Cover the baking pan, and cook the hens 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover, and continue cooking 1 hour, or until the hens are no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.3 g, Cholesterol 128.9 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 15.8 g, Sodium 1341.1 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

STUFFED CORNISH HENS



Stuffed Cornish Hens image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2-1 1/2-pound cornish hens
Salt and pepper
4 slices bacon
12 small whole button mushrooms
12 pearl onions, peeled
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup fresh peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken stock
2-1 1/2-pound cornish hens
Salt and pepper
4 slices bacon
12 small whole button mushrooms
12 pearl onions, peeled
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup fresh peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken stock

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season inside and out of cornish hens. In a bowl combine mushrooms, onions, carrots, peas, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stuff vegetables into cavity of each bird to full capacity. Drizzle hens with remaining oil. Criss-cross 2 bacon slices across each hen, tucking ends under birds to keep in place. Place hens on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and pour chicken stock in bottom of pan. Roast hens 45 minutes to 1 hour or until an instant reading thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 170 degrees. Allow hens to rest, loosely covered with foil, for at least 10 minutes while you finish sauce. Bring sauce to a boil in roasting pan, scraping bottom of pan to incorporate any drippings; season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, drizzle hens with sauce.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season inside and out of cornish hens. In a bowl combine mushrooms, onions, carrots, peas, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stuff vegetables into cavity of each bird to full capacity. Drizzle hens with remaining oil. Criss-cross 2 bacon slices across each hen, tucking ends under birds to keep in place. Place hens on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and pour chicken stock in bottom of pan. Roast hens 45 minutes to 1 hour or until an instant reading thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 170 degrees. Allow hens to rest, loosely covered with foil, for at least 10 minutes while you finish sauce. Bring sauce to a boil in roasting pan, scraping bottom of pan to incorporate any drippings; season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, drizzle hens with sauce.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH WILD RICE STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish
1/3 cup toasted pecan pieces, broken
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons dried currants
4 dried apricots, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Cornish hens, patted dry
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Saute the onions and celery until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme and cook for 1 minute more. In a mixing bowl combine the onion mixture with the rice, parsley, nuts and dried fruits and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place 1/2 cup of the stuffing into the cavity of each hen. Tie the legs of each bird together with kitchen twine.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt the remaining butter with the vinegar. Brush the birds all over with the butter mixture and season with salt and pepper. Put the hens on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast the hens until an instant read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170 degrees F., about 80 minutes. Set the birds aside at room temperature, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. Split hens in half through the breast with a sharp knife or poultry shears, and keep the stuffing intact. Arrange birds skin-side up, on a platter, garnish with sprigs of parsley and serve.

CORNISH HENS



Cornish Hens image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 large Spanish onion, sliced
2 Cornish hens
Cornbread Stuffing, recipe follows
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
2 1/2 cups cornbread
1 celery stalk, diced
1/4 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Place the sliced onion in the bottom of a roasting pan. Remove the giblets from the hens, and rinse them inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers and pat the outsides dry. Place the hens on top of the sliced onion.
  • Pack the cavities of the hens with the cornbread stuffing.
  • Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the hens. Rub the hens with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast the hens for 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh.
  • Melt the butter in a large saute pan. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat, until translucent. Break the cornbread into pieces and place the pieces in a large bowl. Add the onion mixture to the cornbread. Add the celery, chicken stock, parsley, salt and pepper, and mix together.
  • Yield: 2 servings

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH CORNBREAD STUFFING



Cornish Game Hens with Cornbread Stuffing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h5m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 small leek, white part with 1 inch of green, finely chopped and rinsed
1 small apple (about 4 ounces), peeled, cored, and diced
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh sage, plus sprigs for garnish
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish
2 cups cubed day old cornbread
3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Cornish hens, giblets discarded, patted dry

Steps:

  • In a medium skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Saute the leeks for 8 to 10 minutes, until softened. Add the apples and cook for 3 minutes more. In a medium bowl combine the leek mixture with the sage, parsley, cornbread and enough broth to moisten. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stuff the birds with the cornbread mixture and tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine. Melt the remaining butter. Brush the birds all over with butter and season with salt and pepper. Put the hens on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast until an instant read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 170 degrees F., about 80 minutes. Set the birds aside at room temperature, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. Split the hens in half through the breast with a sharp knife or poultry shears, and keep the stuffing intact. Arrange birds skin-side up, on a platter, garnish with sprigs of herbs and serve.

CHRISTMAS CORNISH GAME HENS



Christmas Cornish Game Hens image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 large carrots, roughly chopped
3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
3 large onions, roughly chopped
2 parsnips, rough chopped
2 oranges, cut into wedges
6 Cornish game hens (about 2 pounds each), rinsed and dried thoroughly
Olive oil, to drizzle
Holiday Dry Rub, recipe follows
2 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Spread the vegetables and orange out evenly in the roasting pans. Place the Cornish game hens over the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil. Rub the oil into the hens and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture, remembering to season the cavity. Place some vegetables and an orange wedge in the cavity of the birds.
  • Place in the oven and roast for 45 minutes or until the juices run clear and they are browned. Let the hens rest 10 minutes before carving.
  • Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine.

STUFFED & BAKED CORNISH GAME HENS



Stuffed & Baked Cornish Game Hens image

Stuffed with veggies, you can serve stuffing/dressing on the side; also goes well with wild rice and/or roasted potatoes.

Provided by AZPARZYCH

Categories     Poultry

Time 2h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 Cornish hens
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1/4 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can mixed mushrooms, drained and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • In a small bowl combine the 1/2 cup melted butter, onion, celery, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, basil, oregano and parsley.
  • Season hens inside and out with salt and pepper to taste, then stuff with equal amounts butter/vegetable mixture.
  • Place stuffed birds in a 9x13 inch baking dish, breast side up.
  • Drizzle with 1/4 cup melted butter.
  • Cover dish and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Remove cover and brown at 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 462.3, Fat 38.6, SaturatedFat 22.9, Cholesterol 200.2, Sodium 401.7, Carbohydrate 4.2, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 1.6, Protein 25

CRANBERRY-STUFFED CORNISH GAME HENS



Cranberry-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens image

Dried cranberries add plenty of flavor to these Cornish game hens.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounces rye bread (about 1/2 loaf), trimmed of crust and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small leek, white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced into half-moons, and rinsed well
3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, wiped clean, and coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, plus leaves (optional), for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup reduced-fat, low-sodium canned chicken broth
6 Cornish game hens (1 1/2 pounds each)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup port

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread out diced bread on a rimmed baking sheet; toastin oven, turning occasionally, until light brown and dry, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside.
  • Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add leek, mushrooms, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; stir in bread, chopped sage, parsley, mustard, thyme, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/2 cup broth.
  • Spoon stuffing into bird cavities; tie legs together with kitchen twine. Rub birds with butter, then sprinkle with pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Arrange birds on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees, and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thighs (avoiding bone) registers 170 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer rack with birds to a rimmed baking sheet, and let rest.
  • Set roasting pan on top of stove across two burners; set heat to medium-high. Add port and remaining 1/4 cup broth; deglaze pan, scraping up any browned bits from bottom with a wooden spoon. Add remaining 1/4 cup dried cranberries; cook, stirring, until sauce reduces slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Place birds on a serving platter, and drizzle sauce over them. Garnish with sage leaves, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 487 g, Cholesterol 223 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 53 g, Sodium 759 g

CORNISH HENS FARCI BOURGEOISE (GAME HENS STUFFED WITH SAUSAGE)



Cornish hens farci bourgeoise (Game hens stuffed with sausage) image

Provided by Craig Claiborne And Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h

Yield Eight servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 Rock Cornish game hens, about 1 1/4 pounds each
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 pound bulk sausage meat
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fine fresh bread crumbs
1 small onion, peeled but left whole
1/2 cup dry white wine

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Remove the necks, livers, hearts and gizzards from the hens. Trim off the tough membranes from the gizzards. Put the tender gizzard meat and hearts in the container of a food processor and blend well. Chop the livers finely.
  • Melt one tablespoon of the butter in a saucepan and add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until wilted and add the sausage meat and gizzard and heart mixture. Cook, stirring with the side of a spoon to break up the lumps. Add the chopped livers and cook until the mixture loses its red color. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the egg, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Add the bread crumbs and stir. Let cool.
  • Stuff the hens with equal portions of the mixture. Truss, if desired.
  • Melt the remaining butter in a baking dish and add the hens, turning them in the butter until coated all over. Sprinkle the hens with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the birds on their sides. Place the onion in the center and scatter the necks around.
  • Place the hens in the oven and bake 10 minutes, basting often. Turn the hens on their other sides and bake 10 minutes, basting. Turn them on their backs and bake 15 minutes longer, basting.
  • Add the wine to the roasting pan and stir. Remove the hens and untruss. Serve half a chicken per person with the pan juices spooned over.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 523, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 853 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the right Cornish game hens: Look for plump, evenly shaped hens with moist skin. Avoid any hens with bruises or cuts.
  • Thaw the hens properly: If the hens are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours or overnight. You can also thaw them in a sink filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Do not thaw the hens at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
  • Stuff the hens just before cooking: This will help to prevent the stuffing from drying out. If you need to stuff the hens ahead of time, do so no more than 24 hours in advance.
  • Truss the hens securely: This will help to keep the stuffing in place and prevent the hens from falling apart during cooking. To truss the hens, simply tie their legs together with kitchen twine.
  • Roast the hens at a high temperature: This will help to create a crispy skin and juicy meat. Roast the hens at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the hens rest before carving: This will help to redistribute the juices throughout the meat. Let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Cornish game hens are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any special occasion. By following these tips, you can ensure that your hens turn out perfectly every time. So next time you're looking for a festive and delicious recipe, give stuffed Cornish game hens a try.

Related Topics