The Best Easy Stuffed Cornish Game Hens for Quick Family Meals

If you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners or a healthy comfort food that feels special without a mountain of effort, these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are absolute winners. They’re perfectly sized for individual servings, making them ideal for meals for 2 delivered or cozy dinners at home. Tender, juicy, and bursting with savory stuffing, these petite birds elevate any table with their golden, crispy skin and rustic charm. Plus, they’re a great way to enjoy a high protein meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cornish game hens are like the gourmet answer to traditional roasted chicken. Each hen is a personal portion, so everyone gets their own beautifully presented bird. The stuffing adds incredible moisture and layers of flavor that soak into the meat while roasting, making every bite succulent and comforting. And if you love budget-friendly recipes that deliver on wow factor, this is one to add to your rotation.

It’s the kind of meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually comes together with minimal fuss—perfect for impressing guests or making any weeknight feel a little more festive. Whether you’re on a protein meal plan or hunting for best dinner prep meals, this dish fits beautifully.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The golden, crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy meat inside. Then there’s the stuffing—made with day-old bread, sautéed veggies, and fragrant herbs—that adds a rustic heartiness. You can customize it with seasonal extras like apples or dried cranberries to make it your own.

Roasting the hens at a steady temperature ensures that they cook evenly, while basting during the process locks in moisture and deepens the flavor. The result? A dish that’s not only delicious but high macro meals friendly and satisfying for all kinds of healthy eating goals.

Ingredients

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• 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a beautiful golden color)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups cubed bread (day-old or toasted)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional additions for the stuffing: diced apple, dried cranberries, or sausage crumbles (choose halal options if desired).

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pat the hens dry with paper towels. Dry skin is the secret to crispy skin!
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the bread cubes and fresh parsley until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly—this is your savory stuffing.
4. Season the hens generously inside and out with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika for that gorgeous golden hue.
5. Loosely stuff each hen with the bread mixture. Don’t overfill; the stuffing expands as it cooks. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep everything in place and promote even cooking.
6. Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan. Brush or drizzle with the remaining olive oil or melted butter.
7. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste once or twice during cooking with the pan juices to keep things moist and flavorful.
8. Once done, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.

Tips for Best Results

• Always pat your hens dry before seasoning for that coveted crispy skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—nothing ruins a meal like undercooked stuffing or overcooked meat.
• Basting during roasting is key for moist, flavorful meat and beautiful skin.
• If you want extra crispiness, broil the hens for 2-3 minutes at the end—just watch closely!
• For low calorie chicken meal prep, skip the sausage and add more herbs and veggies to the stuffing.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Swap day-old bread for gluten-free bread or cooked wild rice for a gluten-free high protein high carb low fat meal twist.
• For a Mediterranean vibe, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the stuffing.
• Stir diced apples and fresh sage into your stuffing for a sweet, autumnal touch.
• Make an herb butter rub by mixing softened butter with garlic and fresh herbs, then spread under the skin before roasting.
• Try a citrus glaze by brushing hens with orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a bright, sticky finish.

Serving Suggestions

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Serve these hens with classic mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables for a comforting, hearty meal. For something lighter, pair with a crisp green salad or sautéed garlic spinach.

If you’re following a keto meal plan, cauliflower mash and roasted Brussels sprouts make perfect low-carb sides.

For prepared meals for two, this recipe hits the mark with individual portions that feel fancy but are easy to reheat as leftovers.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

A buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the herbs and crispy skin wonderfully. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a fragrant iced tea.

Sides like garlic-roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, or a fresh citrus salad all bring brightness and balance to the plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through to keep the meat moist and the skin as crispy as possible.

For quicker reheating, remove the stuffing, reheat the meat in a skillet, and warm the stuffing separately in the microwave.

You can freeze cooked, cooled hens (without stuffing) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Prepare and stuff the hens a few hours ahead of time, then keep them refrigerated until roasting. This saves time on busy days and fits perfectly into best meal prep plans.

If you want to batch prep, cook multiple hens and freeze the meat (without stuffing) in individual portions for easy ready made protein meals during the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpacking the hens with stuffing—this can lead to uneven cooking and unsafe temperatures.
• Not drying the skin thoroughly before roasting, which prevents crispiness.
• Forgetting to baste, which helps keep the hens juicy and flavorful.
• Skipping the resting time—cutting into the hens too early lets precious juices escape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Cornish game hens?
They’re young chickens weighing about 1 to 1.5 pounds each, known for tender meat and ideal for individual servings.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and stuff the hens a few hours before roasting and keep them chilled until cooking.

Is it safe to cook stuffing inside the hens?
Absolutely, as long as the stuffing reaches 165°F internally. Don’t overfill and always use a thermometer to check.

Can I use store-bought stuffing?
Yes, prepare it according to package directions and stuff the hens before roasting.

How do I get crispy skin?
Dry the skin thoroughly and roast uncovered. Basting helps, too!

Can I grill Cornish game hens?
Yes, spatchcock them (remove the backbone) and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

Do I have to tie the legs?
Tying helps keep the stuffing inside and promotes even cooking, but it’s optional.

What sides go well?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, green beans, or fresh salad all work beautifully.

What else can I stuff the hens with?
Try quinoa, wild rice, cooked orzo, or your favorite grain for variety.

What wine pairs best?
Chardonnay or Pinot Noir are classic choices depending on your seasoning and stuffing.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Roasting pan or baking dish
• Kitchen twine (for trussing)
• Meat thermometer
• Skillet for sautéing
• Sharp knife and cutting board

These simple tools make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!