Best 10 Herb Stuffed Roasted Cornish Hens Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our herb-stuffed roasted Cornish hens, a delightful dish that blends tender, succulent chicken with an aromatic stuffing of herbs and spices. This recipe collection features variations to cater to diverse palates, including a classic herb stuffing, a zesty lemon-herb stuffing, and a savory wild rice stuffing. Each stuffing is carefully crafted to complement the delicate flavor of the Cornish hens, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

In the classic herb stuffing, a medley of aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage are combined with sautéed vegetables and toasted breadcrumbs, creating a flavorful filling that elevates the Cornish hens to a new level of deliciousness. For a brighter, tangier twist, the lemon-herb stuffing incorporates the vibrant flavors of lemon zest and lemon thyme, creating a refreshing balance against the richness of the chicken.

If you seek a more complex and earthy stuffing, the wild rice stuffing is a delightful choice. A combination of wild rice, sautéed mushrooms, and toasted pecans adds a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the moist, tender Cornish hens. Each recipe provides detailed instructions, ensuring that you can recreate these culinary delights in the comfort of your own kitchen.

So, prepare to embark on a taste-bud tantalizing adventure with our herb-stuffed roasted Cornish hens. Whether you prefer the classic, lemon-herb, or wild rice stuffing, these recipes will guide you in creating a dish that will impress and satisfy your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HERB-STUFFED ROASTED CORNISH HENS



Herb-Stuffed Roasted Cornish Hens image

If you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table, we suggest this moist Cornish game hen recipe. A blend of sage, lemon, onion and garlic give this entree outstanding flavor. -Taste of Home Cooking School

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
12 fresh sage leaves
4 lemon wedges
6 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths, divided
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
6 small red potatoes, halved

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Gently lift skin from hen breasts and place sage leaves under skin. Place lemon wedges and a third of the onions in the cavities. Tuck wings under hens; tie legs together. Place in a small greased roasting pan. , Combine butter, oil, lemon juice and garlic; spoon half of mixture over hens. Sprinkle with salt and pepper., Bake 30 minutes. Add potatoes and remaining onions to pan. Brush hens with remaining butter mixture. Bake until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175° and potatoes are tender, 40-45 minutes longer., Remove hens to a serving platter. Stir potatoes and onions to coat with pan drippings. Serve with hens.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 67 g fat (22 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 379 mg cholesterol, Sodium 1,398 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29 g carbohydrate, Fiber 4 g fiber, Protein 63 g protein.

STUFFED CORNISH GAME HENS



Stuffed Cornish Game Hens image

THIS ENTREE makes an ordinary day special. Whenever I cook Cornish hens for my husband and me, it stirs up warm memories of family times around the holiday dinner table. I bake the extra stuffing separately so we're sure to have enough. -Nancy Aubrey, Ruidoso, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter, divided
3 cups crumbled cornbread
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh mint or 1/4 teaspoon dried mint flakes

Steps:

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, saute celery and onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in cornbread, bread crumbs, pimientos, broth, egg, poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well. , Stuff each hen with 3/4 cup stuffing. Place extra stuffing in a greased 1-qt. baking dish; refrigerate. Place hens breast side up on a rack in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover loosely with foil; bake at 375° for 45 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the remaining butter; add garlic, lemon zest, mint and remaining salt and pepper. Brush over hens. Bake 15-30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 180° for hens and 165° for stuffing. Bake the extra stuffing, covered, for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1728 calories, Fat 106g fat (44g saturated fat), Cholesterol 601mg cholesterol, Sodium 3675mg sodium, Carbohydrate 106g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 82g protein.

HERB-ROASTED GAME HENS



Herb-Roasted Game Hens image

These golden Cornish hens, shown at right, are seasoned with basil, sage and thyme for plenty of flavor. They're simple to prepare yet make any occasion seem special. For a fast finish, serve corn bread stuffing and chunky cinnamon applesauce...or roasted cubed potatoes with pepper and carrots plus instant chocolate pudding for dessert.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Steps:

  • Place hens, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Spoon over hens. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or a thermometer reads 180°.

Nutrition Facts :

BULGUR, HERB, AND FETA STUFFED CORNISH HENS



Bulgur, Herb, and Feta Stuffed Cornish Hens image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup medium-grain bulgur
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, plus generous sprigs for garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus generous sprigs for garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus generous sprigs for garnish
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
4 scallions (white and green), chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta (about 3 ounces)
4 Cornish game hens, backbone and breast bone removed (butterflied)
Charred Tomato Coulis, recipe follows
4 medium ripe tomatoes
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring the stock to a boil in a small saucepan. Meanwhile, toast the bulgur in a medium skillet over medium heat until fragrant and nutty, about 4 minutes. Stir in the bulgur, lower the heat, and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the bulgur to a medium bowl and fluff with a fork. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, chopped herbs, pine nuts, 2 teaspoons salt, scallions, and garlic and season with pepper, to taste. Cool slightly and add the egg and feta, and mix to combine. Set the stuffing aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Lay the hens on a work surface. Starting from the neck of a hen, slip a couple fingers between the skin and breast, and loosen the skin. Take a large spoonful of the stuffing and slip the spoon between the skin and breast. With your free hand, hold the stuffing in place and gently pull the spoon out, leaving the stuffing behind. Press the skin down to evenly distribute the stuffing over the breast. Repeat until the hens are evenly stuffed. Cross the legs of the birds at the breastbone and tie them with a piece of kitchen twine.
  • Arrange the hens breast-side up on a baking sheet. Brush all over with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Roast the birds until well browned and crispy, and an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees when inserted into the thigh, about 40 minutes.
  • To serve, split the hens in half lengthwise. Pour the coulis onto a platter and arrange the hens on top. Garnish with the herb sprigs and serve.
  • Put the tomatoes over 2 gas burners on high and cook, turning occasionally, until charred and peeling. Alternatively, broil the tomatoes until charred. Put the tomatoes in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Set aside to steam for 5 minutes. Peel and seed the tomatoes.
  • Transfer the tomatoes to a blender with the vinegar and garlic and puree until smooth. While the motor is running, drizzle in the oil until incorporated. Season with pepper, to taste.

HERB ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS



Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Time 1h7m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon grill seasoning
1/2 cup red wine vinegrette dressing
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves, plus 4 sprigs
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus 4 sprigs
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus 4 sprigs
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus 4 sprigs
4 Cornish game hens, rinsed
1 lemon, cut in quarters
1 (16-ounce) bag baby carrots
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions, thawed
1/2 pound red potatoes, cut into small chunks
Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and put a baking rack on top.
  • Mix together the grill seasoning, dressing, and chopped herbs in a small bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons. Generously rub the hens inside and out with the herb and dressing mixture. Stuff each hen with a sprig of each herb and a piece of lemon.
  • In a large bowl, combine the carrots, onions and potatoes with the reserved 2 tablespoons of dressing mixture, a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Put the vegetables in a large roasting pan and arrange the hens on top. Roast them until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer registers 180 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, about 50 to 55 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, cover with foil and let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer the hens to a large serving tray with the roasted vegetables.

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.

HERBY ROASTED CORNISH HENS



Herby Roasted Cornish Hens image

Chef's special recipe for cornish hens includes flavorful herbs and spices. This recipe is easy, yet elegant.

Provided by Peggy Trowbridge Filippone

Categories     Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 Cornish game hens, livers and gizzards removed, rinsed
3 whole cloves garlic , peeled
2 large shallots , peeled and quartered
3 large sprigs fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse-grained mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fines herbes
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Place Cornish hens in a large ovenproof baking dish. Place 1 clove garlic, several pieces of shallots, and 1 rosemary sprig into the cavity of each game hen.
  • Rub 1/2 teaspoon salt into the cavity of each hen.
  • In a small bowl, combine mustards, fines herbes, paprika, fennel seed, pepper, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; whisk thoroughly. Coat game hens thoroughly with mixture.
  • Place hens in oven and roast for 75 minutes. Check temperature at thickest part of thigh, away from bone, and make sure it's at least 165 F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 137 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Cholesterol 56 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 385 mg, Sugar 2 g, Fat 8 g, ServingSize 3 to 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

HERB ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS



Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens image

Make and share this Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens recipe from Food.com.

Provided by JelsMom

Categories     Poultry

Time 1h

Yield 1 hen, 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large Cornish hen
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
1 bay leaf
1 shallot, roughly chopped
1 carrot, chopped into 1 pieces
1 stalk celery, chopped into 1 pieces
1/2 lemon, juice of

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Rinse hen with cold water & pat dry. Season with salt & pepper inside & out.
  • Stuff cavity with garlic, rosemary, thyme, & ½ bay leaf. Place some of the shallots, carrots, & celery in cavity.
  • Scatter rest of veggies on bottom of roasting pan. Place hen on top of veggies.
  • Squeeze juice from ½ lemon over hen and add a pice (about ¼ of a lemon) to the cavity. Roast in oven 45 minutes until hens are golden brown & crisp. Juices should run clear when thigh is pierced with a sharp knife.
  • Transfer to serving platter and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove skin & cut in half.

HERB-ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS



Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hens image

These cornish game hens are simple to prepare and taste heavenly. Roasted in the oven with herbs it makes an elegant dish.

Provided by SueVM

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 Cornish hens
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Steps:

  • Place hens breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
  • In a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients.
  • Brush over hens and bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until juices run clear.

HERB-BRINED CORNISH GAME HENS



Herb-Brined Cornish Game Hens image

Instead of a turkey or a big roast, why not serve individual Cornish game hens for the holidays? They cook in a fraction of the time and they're guaranteed to impress all your guests. -Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 24

2/3 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
12 whole peppercorns
5 fresh sage leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 fresh rosemary sprig
1 quart water
1-1/2 quarts cold water
2 large turkey-sized oven roasting bags
4 Cornish game hens (20 ounces each)
HERB BUTTER:
14 whole peppercorns
2 garlic cloves
3/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1/3 cup packed fresh parsley sprigs
3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 small red onions, cut into wedges
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, combine the salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, sage, garlic, thyme, rosemary and 1 quart water. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add the cold water to cool the brine to room temperature., Place a turkey-sized oven roasting bag inside a second roasting bag; add hens. Carefully pour cooled brine into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bags and turn to coat. Place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, turning occasionally. Drain and discard brine; pat hens dry., Meanwhile, place the peppercorns and garlic in a food processor; cover and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the butter, 3 tablespoons olive oil and herbs; cover and process until smooth. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from hens; rub half the butter mixture under skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks; tie drumsticks together. Rub remaining butter mixture over skin., In a 15x10x1-in. baking pan, toss the Brussels sprouts and onions with remaining olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer. Place hens, breast side up, on top of the vegetables. Bake at 450° until thermometer inserted in breast reads 165°, 35-40 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if hens brown too quickly., Remove hens and vegetables to a serving platter; cover and let stand for 10 minutes before carving. If desired, garnish with additional herbs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 592 calories, Fat 39g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 199mg cholesterol, Sodium 474mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 49g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose the right Cornish hens: Look for hens that are plump and have a good amount of meat on them. Avoid hens that are too small or too large.
  • Prepare the hens properly: Rinse the hens inside and out and pat them dry. Remove any excess fat or giblets. Season the hens with salt and pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices.
  • Stuff the hens: The stuffing for Cornish hens can be anything you like. Popular options include bread stuffing, herb stuffing, and wild rice stuffing. Be sure to pack the stuffing loosely so that it doesn't dry out during cooking.
  • Roast the hens: Cornish hens can be roasted in a variety of ways. You can roast them in a roasting pan, on a baking sheet, or even on a grill. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the hens and the method you choose.
  • Baste the hens: Basting the hens during cooking will help them to stay moist and flavorful. You can baste them with butter, olive oil, or a mixture of herbs and spices.
  • Let the hens rest: Once the hens are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before carving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Conclusion:

Cornish hens are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily create a delicious and memorable meal that your family and friends will love.

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