Description

Indulge in the mouthwatering Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Chestnut Pear Stuffing. This elegant dish features succulent, golden-brown hens paired with a delightful stuffing of sweet pears and nutty chestnuts. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe promises to impress your guests with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

2 Cornish game hens (approximately 3–4 lbs total)
1 cup chestnuts (fresh or roasted)
2 ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears, diced
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp salt (to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add diced pears and chestnuts; cook until slightly softened.
Stir in fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Gradually add chicken broth until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
Stuff each Cornish game hen generously with the mixture and tie the legs with kitchen twine if desired. Rub the outside of each hen with the remaining butter and season with salt and pepper.
Place hens in a roasting pan breast-side up and roast for about 1 hour or until golden brown and juices run clear. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Cornish Game Hen (170g)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: For a nutty twist, substitute walnuts for chestnuts or enhance flavor by adding dried cranberries or apricots to the stuffing. Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.