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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are a showstopper of a dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary. These tender little birds are full of flavor and elegance, offering a delightful alternative to more traditional roasts. The mild, succulent meat pairs beautifully with a savory stuffing that enhances its natural taste, making each bite an absolute treat.

Ingredients

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For these Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 4 Cornish game hens, thawed (if frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (or cubed bread)
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup white wine or apple juice (for basting)

Instructions

Prepare the Stuffing:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, sautéed vegetables, raisins (or cranberries), chopped nuts, parsley, chicken broth, and melted butter. Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly moistened.
  3. Season the Stuffing: Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste, stirring to combine. Adjust the seasonings as needed.

Prepare the Hens:

  1. Season the Hens: Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and paprika.
  2. Stuff the Hens: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the cavity of each Cornish game hen, packing it tightly. If there is any leftover stuffing, you can either bake it separately in a small dish or discard it.

Roast the Hens:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the Hens in a Roasting Pan: Arrange the stuffed hens breast-side up in a roasting pan. Pour the white wine or apple juice into the bottom of the pan for basting.
  3. Roast the Hens: Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Baste the hens occasionally with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep them moist.
  4. Rest the Hens: Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Equipment

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/stuffed-cornish-game-hens/