Spiced Cornish Hens with Cornbread and Sausage Stuf

Name: Spiced Cornish Hens with Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon pure ground chile powder; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 4 Cornish game hens, halved lengthwise; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 12 ounces ground pork sausage; 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, plus more for greasing; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1/3 cup chopped celery; 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme); 4 cups crumbled cornbread; 1/2 cup Chicken Stock (page 28) or low-sodium canned broth; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems (optional); Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper

Servings: persons

2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon pure ground chile powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
4 Cornish game hens, halved lengthwise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
12 ounces ground pork sausage
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, plus more for greasing
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped celery
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
4 cups crumbled cornbread
1/2 cup Chicken Stock (page 28) or low-sodium canned broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems (optional)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

1
Whisk together the dry ingredients the salt, cumin, chile powder, black pepper, and allspice in a small bowl.
2
Season both sides of the hens with this mix, and set them aside to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
3
Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing.
4
Cook the sausage in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, about 8 minutes.
5
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels; drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet.
6
Return the skillet to the heat, and add the oil.
7
Add the onion, celery, and jalapeno, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables have softened, about 6 minutes.
8
Stir in the thyme, crumbled cornbread, sausage, chicken stock, parsley, and cilantro, if desired.
9
Remove the skillet from the heat; taste the stuffing for seasoning, and add salt and pepper as desired.
10
Preheat the oven to 375F.
11
Grease two 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dishes with oil.
12
Place the hens skin side down on a work surface.
13
Pack one fourth of the stuffing into each cavity.
14
Arrange the hens stuffing side down in the prepared dish.
15
Brush the tops of the hens with the mustard.
16
Roast the hens until they are golden brown and juices run clear when thighs are pierced, 50 to 55 minutes.
17
Transfer the hens to a platter, and serve.

660

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon pure ground chile powder, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and more.

Yes, Spiced Cornish Hens with Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Spiced Cornish Hens with Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions