Cornish Game Hens with Cheesy Rice Stuffing

Elevate your next dinner gathering with these succulent Cornish Game Hens with Cheesy Rice Stuffing, a show-stopping recipe that combines tender, golden-roasted game hens with a rich, savory filling. Each hen is packed with a mouthwatering mixture of long-grain rice cooked in chicken broth, caramelized onions, garlic, and a blend of tangy cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, infused with aromatic thyme and rosemary. The paprika-dusted, crispy skin delivers irresistible texture, while the cheesy rice stuffing adds a creamy, flavorful surprise in every bite. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant Sunday dinner, this dish is easy to prepare yet stunning enough to impress. Serve these perfectly portioned hens with a garnish of fresh parsley, and watch them disappear from the table!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:115 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Cornish game hens
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the cavity and outer skin of each hen with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4

Stir in the rice and toast it for 2–3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5

Remove the rice from heat and stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and rosemary. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the stuffing is well combined.

Step 6

Stuff each Cornish game hen with the cheesy rice mixture, being careful not to overfill (leave room for expansion). Secure the cavity with kitchen twine or wooden skewers if necessary.

Step 7

Rub the outside of each hen with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.

Step 8

Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3095.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5695.9

Total Fat 349.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 115.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 1823.1mg	0%
Sodium 8653.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g	0%
Total Sugars 7.8g
Protein 519.3g	0%

Vitamin D 200IU	0%
Calcium 1690.0mg	0%
Iron 30.2mg	0%
Potassium 5239.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.6%

Protein: 37.4%

Carbs: 6.0%