Stuffed Cornish hens are elegant, flavorful, and perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic meals. Because Cornish hens are small, tender birds, they cook much faster than whole chickens—but stuffing adds extra weight and slows cooking slightly. Baking them at 350°F (177°C) gives beautifully browned skin, juicy meat, and a fully heated stuffing.
This complete guide explains the exact cooking time, internal temperature rules, stuffing safety, preparation steps, seasoning ideas, roasting tips, and common mistakes to help you get perfectly cooked stuffed Cornish hens every time.
⭐ Quick Answer: How Long to Cook Stuffed Cornish Hens at 350°F
➡️ Stuffed Cornish hens take 60–75 minutes to cook at 350°F.
| Hen Weight (each) | Oven Temp | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 1.25 lb hens | 350°F | 60–70 minutes |
| 1.5 lb hens | 350°F | 70–80 minutes |
| 1.75–2 lb hens | 350°F | 80–95 minutes |
Important Safety Rule
Both meat and stuffing must reach 165°F in the center.
🍗 Why Stuffed Cornish Hens Take Longer
A stuffed hen has:
- More weight
- Less airflow inside the cavity
- Dense stuffing that heats slowly
- Higher moisture that slows browning
That’s why stuffed hens need slightly longer than unstuffed ones (which only take 50–60 minutes).
🔥 Internal Temperature Guide (Critical)
To ensure the hens are fully cooked and safe:
| What to Check | Safe Temp |
|---|---|
| Thickest part of breast | 165°F |
| Inner thigh (not touching bone) | 175°F |
| Center of stuffing | 165°F |
Use a meat thermometer, not guesswork.
🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Cook Stuffed Cornish Hens at 350°F
1. Thaw Completely (If Frozen)
Frozen hens need 24–48 hours to thaw in the fridge.
Never cook Cornish hens partially frozen.
2. Prepare Stuffing (Homemade or Box Mix)
Popular stuffing options:
- Classic bread stuffing
- Wild rice stuffing
- Apple & cranberry stuffing
- Sausage stuffing
- Mushroom herb stuffing
- Quinoa stuffing
Make sure your stuffing is cool, not hot, before filling the hens.
3. Season the Hens
Rub hens with:
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Paprika
You can also stuff herbs under the skin (rosemary, sage, thyme).
4. Stuff the Hens
Fill cavity loosely, not packed.
Why?
- Air needs to circulate
- Tight stuffing stays undercooked
- Loose stuffing heats evenly
Leave a little space at the top of the cavity.
5. Tie the Legs
This keeps stuffing inside and ensures a neat shape.
Use kitchen twine.
6. Roast at 350°F
Place stuffed hens in a roasting pan.
Add:
- 1 cup broth
- Sliced onions
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs
This keeps the hens juicy.
Bake 60–75 minutes, based on size.
7. Baste Every 20–25 Minutes
Use pan drippings to keep skin golden and meat moist.
8. Broil the Last 2–3 Minutes (Optional)
For extra crispy skin.
Watch carefully—skin browns fast.
9. Rest for 10–15 Minutes
Juices redistribute → meat stays tender.
🥘 Cooking Time by Hen Size (Stuffed)
| Hen Size | Cook Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | 60 minutes |
| 1.25 lb | 65–70 minutes |
| 1.5 lb | 70–80 minutes |
| 1.75 lb | 80–90 minutes |
| 2 lb | 90–95 minutes |
If cooking multiple hens, add 5–10 minutes, depending on oven crowding.
🍽️ Best Stuffing Ideas for Cornish Hens
1. Traditional Bread Stuffing
- Celery
- Onions
- Garlic
- Herbs
2. Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Adds rich, savory flavor.
3. Apple Cranberry Stuffing
Sweet-tart flavor great for holidays.
4. Rice or Wild Rice Stuffing
Excellent choice for gluten-free meals.
5. Mushroom Garlic Stuffing
Earthy and aromatic.
💡 How to Keep Stuffed Cornish Hens Moist
- Rub skin with butter before baking
- Stuff loosely
- Add broth to the baking pan
- Cover loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes
- Baste every 20 minutes
- Rest before slicing
🌿 Flavor Variations
Garlic Herb
Butter + fresh rosemary + thyme + sage
Lemon Pepper
Lemon zest + cracked black pepper + garlic
Maple Dijon
Maple syrup + Dijon mustard glaze
Cajun Style
Cajun seasoning + smoked paprika
Mediterranean
Olive oil + oregano + lemon + garlic
🍽️ What to Serve With Stuffed Cornish Hens
Perfect sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Rice pilaf
- Cranberry sauce
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Herb butter rolls
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Cornish hens pair well with sweet and savory flavors.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
Store leftovers for 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: 325°F for 15–20 minutes
- Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
- Microwave: Not recommended (softens skin)
To reheat stuffing, heat separately until it reaches 165°F internal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long to cook unstuffed Cornish hens at 350°F?
Unstuffed hens take 50–60 minutes, depending on size.
2. Do stuffed Cornish hens cook slower?
Yes, stuffing adds weight and reduces airflow, requiring more time.
3. Should I cover Cornish hens while baking?
Cover with foil for the first 25–30 minutes if you want juicier meat.
4. Can I use frozen stuffing in Cornish hens?
No. Stuffing must be thawed and cool before filling.
5. How do I know the stuffing is safe?
It must reach 165°F in the very center.
6. Can I bake multiple hens at once?
Yes. Leave space between them and add extra cooking time.
7. Why is my skin not crispy?
- Too much moisture
- Oven not hot enough
- Not enough airflow in the oven
- No broil step at the end
⭐ Final Clear Answer
Cook stuffed Cornish hens at 350°F for 60–75 minutes.
Use the guideline 1 to 1.25 lb hens → 60–70 min, larger hens up to 90 minutes.
Make sure both the meat and stuffing reach 165°F for safe eating.
Rest 10–15 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness
