Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This recipe offers a delicious duo: succulent roasted Cornish hens and a savory wild rice stuffing.

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Wild Rice Stuffing

• Wild Rice: You can use your favorite mix of wild, white, brown, and red rice. You can also use a brown and long-grain rice blend.
• Shallots: A sweet, milder cousin of onions that adds a delicate oniony depth without overpowering the stuffing. Substitute with green onions for a milder punch or red onion for a bolder flavor.
• Celery: Crunchy and refreshing, celery brings a light, earthy note and textural contrast. Substitute with chopped fennel or even your favorite type of apple for a similar crunch and sweetness.
• Poultry seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices like thyme, sage, and rosemary adds instant savory depth. Substitute with a combination of these individual herbs or Italian seasoning for a similar profile.
• Sage: This earthy herb with hints of citrus and mint is a classic pairing with poultry and stuffing. Substitute with thyme or rosemary for a similar warmth, or omit for a milder flavor.
• Cranberries: These tart berries add a burst of sweetness and acidity to balance savory flavors. Substitute with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a similar sweet-tart contrast.
• Walnuts: Crunchy and nutty, walnuts add textural interest and rich flavor. Substitute with chopped pecans or almonds for a similar crunch, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

Cornish Game Hens

• Cornish Game Hens: The star of the show. These young chickens are perfect for individual servings. They are almost always sold frozen, so plan ahead and give them ample time to thaw. You’ll usually find them in packs of two in the freezer section of your grocery store. Aim for 1 ½ pounds per hen to ensure everyone gets their fill.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the hens brown beautifully. You can substitute with olive oil or ghee for a similar effect.

How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Pro-tip: If you’re worried about the hens drying out, you can tent them with foil during the last part of the cooking time.

Wild Rice Stuffing

1. Cook the rice: Rinse the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions, then set aside. If there are no package instructions, combine the wild rice and kosher salt with 1¼  cup of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring everything to a boi,l then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and cooked through. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

2. Prepare the stuffing: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the chopped shallots and celery. Allow them to cook until they are soft, about 5 minutes, then stir in the poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook everything for an additional minute to allow the herbs and spices to bloom. To the skillet, add the cooked wild rice, cranberries, and walnuts, then stir to combine.

Cornish Game Hens

1. Stuff the hens: Spoon ½ cup of stuffing into the cavity of each hen, packing it loosely, then close the cavity by tying the hens’ legs together with kitchen twine. Place the hens on a wire rack-lined baking pan, breast side up, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Brush the tops of the hens with room-temperature butter and season them with salt and pepper.

2. Roast the hens: Place the Cornish game hens in a pre-heated 425℉ oven and roast for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350℉. Continue to roast them for an additional 30-40 minutes or until they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165℉ for the stuffing and 180℉ in the thickest part of the thigh. Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

What to Serve with Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Wild rice-stuffed Cornish game hens are a delicious and impressive main course all by themselves, but no meal is complete without some stunning side dishes to complement it.

• Roasted root vegetables: Match the richness of the stuffing with earthy, caramelized root vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, which could pair nicely with Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, herbs, and a touch of honey for a sweet and savory finish.
• Green beans: Keep things light and fresh with a side of steamed or roasted green beans. Add a bit of garlic, lemon zest, or almonds for extra flavor. For a more indulgent option, try my Southern green bean casserole.
• A simple salad: A mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a light contrast to the richer flavors of the stuffed hens.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and make a great side for Cornish hens. For extra flavor, try my rosemary garlic mashed potatoes or truffle mashed potatoes.
• Cranberry sauce: A classic accompaniment to poultry, our orange cranberry sauce adds a tart and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the hens. You can make your own or use a store-bought brand.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: You can make the wild rice stuffing up to 2 days in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, bring the stuffing to room temperature before filling the hens. The hens can also be prepped a day ahead. Once stuffed, gently tuck the wing tips under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Store the hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

How to Store: Allow the cooked hens to cool completely before storing. Remove any stuffing leftovers from the cavity and store them separately. Place the hens and stuffing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked and cooled hens for up to 2 months. Wrap each hen individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

How to Reheat: The best way to reheat cooked hens is in the oven. Thaw frozen hens completely in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the hens in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes. To prevent the skin from drying out during reheating, baste the hens with oil or melted butter halfway through the process. Ensure the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• For food safety, the USDA recommends that poultry, including Cornish game hens, not be washed prior to cooking.
• Get creative with your stuffing by adding other ingredients such as mushrooms, apples, or sausage. Or stuff the birds with a bread or cornbread stuffing instead of wild rice.
• Let the Cornish game hens rest prior to serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Don’t overstuff the hens, or the stuffing might burst out during the roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions