Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly roasted, miniature chicken, its skin glistening with a savory glaze, and bursting with a flavorful, aromatic stuffing. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, a delightful journey for your taste buds that elevates any meal into a special occasion. I’m thrilled to share my foolproof recipe for creating these elegant and incredibly delicious birds right in your own kitchen.

While the exact origins of stuffing poultry are debated, the concept dates back centuries, with variations found across numerous cultures. From ancient Roman stuffed dormice to medieval feasts featuring roasted swans, the idea of filling a bird with flavorful ingredients has always been associated with celebration and abundance. Cornish game hens, a smaller and more manageable alternative to a whole chicken or turkey, offer a perfect canvas for showcasing this culinary tradition. They are particularly popular in American cuisine, often served during holidays or special gatherings.

People adore stuffed Cornish game hens for several reasons. First, their individual portion size makes them ideal for elegant dinner parties or intimate family meals. Second, the combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavorful stuffing creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. The stuffing itself can be customized to your liking, allowing for endless variations and creative flavor combinations. And finally, while they may appear fancy, stuffed Cornish game hens are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic option for both novice and experienced cooks alike. So, let’s get started and create a truly memorable meal!

Ingredients:

• 4 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/4 pounds each), thawed if frozen
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Stuffing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms (cremini or white button)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian loaf works well)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Preparing the Cornish Game Hens:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature will help the hens get nicely browned.
2. Remove the giblets from the cavity of each hen. You can discard them or save them for making stock later. Pat the hens dry inside and out with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
4. Rub the olive oil mixture all over the outside of each hen, ensuring they are evenly coated. Don’t forget the underside!

Making the Sausage Stuffing:

1. While the oven is preheating, let’s get started on the stuffing. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We want them to be tender and slightly translucent.
3. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure there are no pink bits left! Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in the chopped mushrooms, dried thyme, dried sage, ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture. The aroma at this point should be amazing!
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cubed bread, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated with the sausage mixture.
7. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Pour the egg over the stuffing mixture and toss again to combine. The egg will help bind the stuffing together.

Stuffing and Trussing the Hens:

1. Spoon the stuffing into the cavity of each hen, packing it loosely. Don’t overstuff them, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. You want to leave a little room for it to breathe.
2. To truss the hens, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their shape. You can also tuck the wing tips under the body of the hen. If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can skip this step, but the hens might not look as pretty.

Roasting the Cornish Game Hens:

1. Place the stuffed and trussed hens in a roasting pan. If you have a roasting rack, use it to elevate the hens slightly, which will help them cook more evenly.
2. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
3. While the hens are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
4. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze over the hens. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a delicious sweet and tangy flavor.
5. Continue roasting until the hens are cooked through and the glaze is nicely caramelized.

Resting and Serving:

1. Once the hens are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
2. To serve, you can carve each hen in half or serve them whole. Spoon any remaining stuffing from the roasting pan around the hens.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overstuff the hens. Overstuffing can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy stuffing.
• Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure that the hens are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Let the hens rest before carving. This will result in a more tender and flavorful bird.
• Get creative with the stuffing! You can add other vegetables, fruits, or nuts to the stuffing to customize it to your liking. Dried cranberries, apples, or pecans would all be delicious additions.
• Make ahead: The stuffing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to roast the hens.
• Leftovers: Leftover stuffed Cornish game hens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Variations:

• Fruit Stuffing: Substitute some of the bread in the stuffing with dried cranberries, chopped apples, or pears for a sweeter flavor.
• Nutty Stuffing: Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the stuffing for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Herbaceous Stuffing: Use a variety of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, in the stuffing for a more complex flavor.
• Spicy Stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the stuffing to make this recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the stuffed Cornish game hens with roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.
• Serve with a side of cranberry sauce or apple chutney.
• Serve with a green salad.
• Serve with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole.

Enjoy your delicious and impressive stuffed Cornish game hens! I hope you and your guests love them as much as I do. They are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience. The Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a guaranteed showstopper, perfect for impressing guests or simply elevating a weeknight dinner. The combination of the succulent, flavorful game hen and the savory, aromatic stuffing is truly unforgettable. I know you might be thinking, “Cornish game hens? That sounds complicated!” But trust me, with this recipe, it’s surprisingly straightforward and the results are well worth the (minimal) effort.

Think about it: tender, juicy meat infused with herbs and spices, complemented by a perfectly balanced stuffing that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. And the presentation? Absolutely stunning! Imagine placing these beautifully browned, perfectly portioned hens on the table. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

But the best part is, this recipe is incredibly versatile. While I’ve shared my favorite stuffing combination, feel free to get creative and experiment with your own variations. Craving something sweeter? Add some dried cranberries or apricots to the stuffing. Want a bit more spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. You could even swap out the bread stuffing for a wild rice blend for a heartier, more rustic feel.

As for serving suggestions, these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are a classic choice. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the hens. Or, for a truly decadent meal, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a cheesy gratin. Don’t forget a good quality gravy made from the pan drippings – it’s the perfect finishing touch!

And don’t limit yourself to just dinner! Leftover stuffed hen, shredded, makes a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, or even tacos. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this recipe for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens is a must-try for anyone who loves good food and enjoys creating memorable meals. It’s a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create something truly special. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your household, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table for years to come. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy!

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