When it comes to preparing a special meal for a small gathering or a romantic dinner for two, stuffed Cornish hens are a delicious and elegant option. These miniature chickens are perfect for individual servings and can be filled with a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful and impressive dish.

Stuffed Cornish hens are best cooked in the oven, which helps to create a deliciously moist and tender meat while allowing the flavors of the stuffing to infuse into the bird. The process of cooking stuffed Cornish hens is relatively simple and can be done by even novice home cooks.

Before cooking the hens, it’s important to prepare the stuffing. This can be a combination of ingredients such as bread crumbs, herbs, spices, vegetables, and even fruits. The stuffing should be well-seasoned and packed tightly inside the cavity of each hen. Not only does the stuffing add flavor to the meat, but it also helps to keep it moist during the cooking process.

Once the stuffing is prepared and the hens are filled, they can be placed into a preheated oven. It’s recommended to cook the hens at a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-50 minutes. This ensures that the meat is fully cooked without drying out. To achieve a crispy and golden skin, the hens can be basted with melted butter or olive oil throughout the cooking process.

Preparation

Before you begin cooking stuffed Cornish hens in the oven, it is important to properly prepare the hens. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked dish:

  1. Thaw the Cornish hens: If you have frozen hens, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to thaw slowly and evenly.
  2. Clean the hens: Rinse the hens under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove any giblets or necks that might be inside the cavity.
  3. Season the hens: Generously season the hens with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can also use your favorite poultry seasoning or a combination of herbs and spices.
  4. Prepare the stuffing: In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing ingredients of your choice. This can include breadcrumbs, cooked rice, chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
  5. Stuff the hens: Carefully spoon the stuffing mixture into the cavity of each hen. Make sure to pack it in tightly without overstuffing. You can secure the cavity with toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary.
  6. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for cooking.
  7. Place hens in a baking dish: Arrange the stuffed hens in a baking dish or roasting pan. You can line the dish with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
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Now that you have properly prepared the Cornish hens, you are ready to move on to the next steps in the cooking process.

Stuffing the Cornish Hens

Before you start stuffing the cornish hens, make sure they are cleaned and patted dry. This will help the stuffing adhere better and cook evenly.

There are many delicious stuffing options you can choose from, but a classic bread stuffing is always a good choice. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Ingredients:

    • 4 cups bread cubes
    • 1/2 cup diced onion
    • 1/2 cup diced celery
    • 1/2 cup diced carrot
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried sage
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    • Salt and pepper to taste

  2. Instructions:

    1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are softened.
    2. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large bowl. Add the bread cubes, parsley, thyme, sage, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
    3. Gently stuff the cornish hens with the prepared stuffing. Be careful not to overstuff, as it may affect the cooking time.
    4. Secure the openings of the hens with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside.

Once the cornish hens are stuffed, you can move on to the next steps in the recipe.

Cooking Technique

When it comes to cooking stuffed Cornish hens in the oven, following the right technique is essential to ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked result. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help cook the hens thoroughly without drying them out.

2. Prepare the Hens

Clean the Cornish hens thoroughly, making sure to remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat them dry with paper towels and season the inside and outside with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Stuff the Hens

Prepare the stuffing mixture of your choice. It can be a combination of breadcrumbs, herbs, minced garlic, chopped vegetables, and spices. Gently stuff the mixture into the cavity of each Cornish hen, being careful not to overstuff.

4. Truss the Hens

To help the hens cook evenly and retain their shape, truss them using kitchen twine. Cross the legs and tie them together, then tie the wings close to the body.

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5. Arrange the Hens

Place the stuffed and trussed hens in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between them to allow for even airflow.

6. Bake in the Oven

Place the baking dish with the hens in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Basting the hens with melted butter or olive oil every 15 minutes will help keep them moist and flavorful.

7. Let Them Rest

Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the stuffed Cornish hens and serve them alongside your favorite side dishes or sauces. The moist and flavorful meat, combined with the delicious stuffing, will surely impress your guests or family members.

Ingredients Quantity
Cornish hens 2
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Stuffing mixture To taste

Temperature and Timing

When cooking stuffed Cornish hens in the oven, it’s important to get the temperature and timing right to ensure that they are cooked perfectly.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start preparing the stuffed Cornish hens. This temperature ensures that the hens cook evenly and thoroughly.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for stuffed Cornish hens depends on their weight. As a general guideline, plan to cook the hens for about 20-25 minutes per pound (450 grams) in a preheated oven. The stuffing can affect the cooking time, so it’s important to check for doneness using a meat thermometer.

Tip: For a crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Doneness

Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the hen. The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) for the hens to be fully cooked. If the temperature is not yet reached, continue cooking the hens and check again after a few minutes.

Remember: It’s important to let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moister and more flavorful meat.

Serving and Presentation

Once the stuffed Cornish hens are perfectly cooked, it’s time to present them in an appealing and enticing way. Here are a few tips on how to serve and present your stuffed Cornish hens:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

To add an extra touch of freshness and aroma to your stuffed Cornish hens, garnish them with some fresh herbs. Sage, thyme, and rosemary are popular options that not only enhance the overall presentation but also complement the flavors of the dish.

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Accompanying Side Dishes

A well-rounded meal includes some accompanying side dishes that perfectly match the flavors of the main dish. Consider serving your stuffed Cornish hens with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes. The vibrant colors and textures of the vegetables will beautifully complement the presentation of the hens.

Side Dish Ideas How to Prepare
Roasted Carrots Peel and chop carrots into small pieces. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Roasted Potatoes Scrub potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Feel free to experiment with different side dishes and find the combination that suits your taste preferences best.

Lastly, remember to arrange the stuffed Cornish hens neatly on a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs. This will make the dish look visually appealing and appetizing, enticing your guests to dig in.

FAQ

What is a Cornish hen?

A Cornish hen is a small breed of chicken that is usually less than two pounds in weight.

What ingredients are needed to cook stuffed Cornish hens?

To cook stuffed Cornish hens, you will need Cornish hens, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onions, chopped celery, melted butter, salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer.

How long does it take to cook stuffed Cornish hens in the oven?

The cooking time for stuffed Cornish hens in the oven will vary depending on the size of the hens, but it usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I stuff Cornish hens with vegetables instead of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can stuff Cornish hens with vegetables instead of breadcrumbs. Some popular options include stuffing them with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese, or with a mixture of diced carrots, peas, and corn.

What side dishes can I serve with stuffed Cornish hens?

Some popular side dishes to serve with stuffed Cornish hens include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, wild rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.