Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice and Sausage

This recipe for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens is the perfect centerpiece for your next special occasion. Imagine tender, juicy hens roasted to golden-brown perfection, filled with a savory wild rice and sausage stuffing. It’s an elegant meal that looks impressive on the table but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a romantic meal for two, or just want to elevate your Sunday supper, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper. Forget complicated recipes; this guide will walk you through every step to achieve flawless results.

We developed this recipe to be both incredibly flavorful and completely foolproof. The stuffing, made with a blend of nutty wild rice, savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, provides the perfect complement to the delicate flavor of the Cornish hens. The skin gets wonderfully crispy while the meat stays succulent and moist. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can be proud to make in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Recipe

• Elegant Presentation: Cornish hens have a naturally sophisticated look, making any meal feel like a special event.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of the savory sausage and wild rice stuffing with the rich, tender meat of the hen is simply irresistible.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is straightforward and achievable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfectly Portioned: One hen is the perfect single serving, making it easy to plate and serve without any carving fuss.

What Are Cornish Game Hens?

A Cornish game hen is a specific breed of broiler chicken, not a game bird as the name might suggest. They are young chickens, typically under five weeks old, which results in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Their small size, usually around one to two pounds, makes them ideal for individual servings. This makes them a popular choice for elegant dinners and holiday meals, as they provide a beautiful, personalized presentation for each guest.

Key Ingredients for The Perfect Stuffing

The heart of this Stuffed Cornish Game Hens recipe is, of course, the stuffing. We’ve moved beyond basic bread crumbs to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Wild Rice & Sausage Stuffing:

• Ground Sausage: Use a mild or sweet Italian sausage. The fat renders out and adds a tremendous amount of flavor to the vegetables and rice.
• Wild Rice Blend: A blend of wild and long-grain rice adds a wonderful texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sausage and herbs.
• Mirepoix: A classic combination of finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic base of our stuffing.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for a deep, savory flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Used to cook the rice and add moisture and richness to the stuffing.
• Herbs: A combination of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary provides classic, comforting holiday flavors.

For the Cornish Hens:

• Cornish Game Hens: You’ll need two, about 1.5 lbs each. Make sure they are completely thawed if you bought them frozen.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the skin to help it brown and get extra crispy.
• Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and paprika for color and flavor.

How to Make Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to prepare your elegant main course. We’ll start with the stuffing, then prepare and roast the hens to perfection.

1. Cook the Stuffing

First, cook the wild rice blend according to package directions, using chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. While the rice cooks, brown the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving a tablespoon of drippings in the pan. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots in the drippings until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Finally, combine the cooked rice, sausage, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl. Stir in the fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Hens

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the giblets from the Cornish hens and pat them dry inside and out with paper towels. A dry surface is key to achieving that perfectly crispy skin. Season the cavity of each hen generously with salt and pepper.

3. Stuff and Truss the Hens

Loosely pack the wild rice and sausage stuffing into the cavity of each hen. Do not overstuff, as the rice will expand slightly during cooking. Any leftover stuffing can be baked in a separate dish alongside the hens. Truss the legs together with kitchen twine to help the hens cook evenly and hold their shape.

4. Season and Roast

Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan or large oven-safe skillet. Brush the entire surface of each hen with melted butter. This not only adds flavor but is crucial for that deep golden-brown, crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) registers 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender. Serve whole for a stunning presentation.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Letting the hens rest is crucial for juicy, flavorful meat. Tenting them loosely with foil will keep them warm.
• Ensure Hens are Dry: Patting the hens completely dry with paper towels before brushing with butter is the most important step for crispy skin.
• Don’t Overstuff: Pack the stuffing loosely to ensure it cooks through properly. Bake any extra stuffing in a small greased baking dish.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The only way to guarantee perfectly cooked poultry is by using a meat thermometer. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

What to Serve with Stuffed Cornish Hens

These Stuffed Cornish Game Hens are the star of the show, so the side dishes should complement them without overpowering. For a truly complete and comforting meal, consider serving them with some delicious Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes. Another excellent option is a hearty Winter Vegetable Casserole, which brings more seasonal flavors to your table. If you want a simple yet elegant green, these Perfectly Sautéed Leeks are a fantastic choice.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, for food safety reasons, do not stuff the hens until just before you are ready to roast them. Leftover cooked hens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to retain the skin’s crispiness.

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Do you have to cook stuffing before putting it in a bird?

Yes, for a stuffing that includes raw ingredients like sausage and rice, you must cook it completely before stuffing the bird. This ensures all ingredients are cooked to a safe temperature and allows the flavors to meld together.

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How do you get crispy skin on Cornish hens?

To get crispy skin, first, pat the hens completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will create steam and prevent browning. Second, brush the entire surface of the hens with melted butter before roasting at a relatively high temperature of 400°F (200°C).

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How long does it take to cook a stuffed Cornish hen?

A 1.5 lb stuffed Cornish hen typically takes 50-60 minutes to cook in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). The most reliable way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

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What is a good stuffing for Cornish hens?

A fantastic stuffing for Cornish hens is a wild rice and sausage blend. The nutty rice, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs like sage and thyme create a rich, flavorful filling that perfectly complements the delicate meat of the hen.

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What is the best way to serve Cornish hens?

The best way to serve Cornish hens is whole, as one hen typically makes a perfect single serving. This creates a beautiful and elegant presentation on the plate. Serve alongside roasted potatoes, a seasonal vegetable, or a fresh salad.

Your New Favorite Special Occasion Meal

This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens recipe delivers a stunning main course that is brimming with flavor and elegance. It’s a meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. If you make it, we’d love to see! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest.

Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice and Sausage

This Stuffed Cornish Game Hens recipe features tender roasted hens with crispy skin, filled with a savory wild rice and sausage stuffing. An elegant, impressive, and surprisingly simple main course perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Wild Rice & Sausage Stuffing

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth divided
• 8 oz ground mild Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 large carrot finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped

For the Cornish Hens

• 2 Cornish game hens about 1.5 lbs each, thawed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Equipment

• 1 Roasting Pan
• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 Meat Thermometer
• Kitchen Twine

Instructions

 

1. Cook the wild rice blend with 2 cups of chicken broth according to package directions. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 1 tbsp of drippings in the skillet.
3. Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the stuffing cool slightly.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Prepare the Cornish hens by removing any giblets and patting them very dry, inside and out, with paper towels. Season the cavity of each hen generously with salt and pepper.
7. Loosely spoon the stuffing mixture into the cavities of the hens. Do not pack tightly. Truss the legs together with kitchen twine.
8. Place the hens in a roasting pan. Brush the entire outer surface with melted butter. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
9. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, the juices run clear, and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
10. Remove from the oven and let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: For extra crispy skin, you can leave the hens uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours before roasting to help dry out the skin.
Tip 2: Any leftover stuffing can be baked in a small, greased baking dish at the same temperature for the last 20-25 minutes of cooking time.
Tip 3: Ensure your hens are fully thawed before you begin for even cooking.