Stuffed Cornish Hens

Stuffed Cornish hens make an elegant and delicious dinner that’s perfect for special holiday meals, or as a cozy dinner for two. With crispy skin, tender meat and a savory stuffing made with cornbread, herbs and pimientos, these little Cornish game hens are a perfect centerpiece to a comforting, flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients for Stuffed Cornish Hens

• Celery: Fresh celery stalks add a crisp, fresh bite that balances the richness of the cornbread. For a slightly sweeter twist, try fennel instead.
• Onion: This ingredient builds a savory foundation, adding depth to the stuffing. Shallots work too if you prefer a gentler flavor.
• Butter: Sauteing the veggies in butter gives them a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to beat. Olive oil is a good alternative if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit.
• Cornbread crumbs: Cornbread brings a touch of sweetness and a crumbly texture that screams Southern comfort. If you don’t have cornbread handy, white or whole wheat bread crumbs will do the job.
• Soft bread crumbs: These crumbs keep the stuffing light and help it stick together. Gluten-free bread is a fine substitute.
• Pimientos: Pimientos add a pop of color and a mild tang that livens up the stuffing. Roasted red bell peppers are a good stand-in if pimientos are out of reach.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and a savory flavor that ties the stuffing together. For a lighter option, you can use vegetable broth.
• Egg: The egg is key for binding everything in the stuffing so it holds together nicely. A flax egg works well if you need an egg-free alternative.
• Poultry seasoning: This herb blend gives the stuffing that classic, cozy flavor. If you can’t find poultry seasoning, mix in a bit of sage, thyme, and rosemary.
• Cornish game hens: These petite birds cook quickly and look so impressive on the plate. If you can’t find them, a small chicken works too.
• Garlic: A bit of garlic brings a punchy flavor that complements the herbs and zest. If your garlic basket is empty (whoops!), garlic powder can stand in just fine.
• Lemon zest: The yellow zest of a lemon brightens everything with its citrusy pop, cutting through the richness. Lime zest is a fun alternative if that’s what you have on hand.
• Mint: Fresh mint adds a refreshing, aromatic note that elevates the dish. Prefer something else? Dried mint flakes or fresh parsley will still bring a nice touch.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the vegetables

In a large skillet or saucepan, saute the celery and onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until they’re tender. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your stuffing.

Step 2: Mix the stuffing

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Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cornbread crumbs, bread crumbs, pimientos, chicken broth, egg, poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the stuffing holds together.

Step 3: Stuff the hens

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Stuff each hen with about 3/4 cup of the stuffing mixture. If you have extra stuffing, place it in a greased 1-quart baking dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Position the hens breast-side up on a rack in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover them loosely with foil.

Step 4: Bake the hens

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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the hens for 45 minutes. While the hens bake, melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon zest, mint, and the remaining salt and pepper. After the 45 minutes are up, remove the foil and brush the hens with the butter mixture.

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Return them to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 180° for the hens and 165° for the stuffing. Bake the extra stuffing, covered, for 30 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Using a meat thermometer ensures the hens are perfectly cooked—juicy and safe to eat without being overdone.

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Stuffed Cornish Hens Variations

• Add sausage: Boost the flavor of your stuffing by adding cooked, crumbled sausage. It adds a delicious, hearty touch that pairs beautifully with the cornbread.
• Swap the cornbread: Use wild rice instead of cornbread for a nutty, earthy twist that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
• Try dried fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or apricots into the stuffing for a hint of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory elements.

How to Store Stuffed Cornish Hens

Let the hens cool completely before storing. Remove the stuffing from the bird, then place the birds in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to four days. To reheat, cover the hens with foil and warm in a 350° oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. (Psst: When storing a stuffed Cornish game hen, refer to our guide to storing Thanksgiving leftovers.)

Can you freeze stuffed Cornish hens?

Yes, you can freeze these hens, though it’s best to carve them before moving them to the freezer; that way they will defrost more evenly. Carve the Cornish game hens, discarding the stuffed carcass, then wrap the meat tightly in a layer of storage wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze it for up to three months. Thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it as directed above.

The extra, cooked stuffing from the 1-quart baking dish can be cooled then frozen. Store it in the baking dish, covered with storage wrap and a layer of foil. Frozen cooked stuffing will last for up to a month in the freezer. Do not freeze uncooked stuffing.

Cornish Hen with Stuffing Recipe Tips

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How do you get crispy skin on stuffed Cornish game hens?

Use a roasting rack to keep the hens elevated; this allows the heat to circulate, which helps the skin to crisp up nicely. Brushing the bird with butter also helps give it that golden, crispy finish.

What’s the best way to keep hens moist while baking?

Don’t overstuff the hens; leaving some space in the cavity allows air to circulate, which helps the hens cook evenly. Basting with butter during the cooking process also helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Can you add extra flavor to the hens?

Yes! Season the inside of the hens with a sprinkle of salt and pepper before stuffing, and don’t forget to brush them with the garlic, lemon and mint butter mixture. This not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the hens moist.

Do you need a meat thermometer for stuffed Cornish game hens?

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your hens are cooked to perfection. It takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring the hens are safe to eat and not overdone.