Stuffed Cornish Hen: The Perfect Small-Batch Thanksgiving Dinner for Two (or a Small Family!)

Planning Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t always mean roasting a colossal turkey. For many, a smaller, more intimate celebration is the perfect way to enjoy the holiday without the stress of excessive leftovers or a massive cooking endeavor. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for two, four, or just a small gathering, our Stuffed Cornish Hen recipe with homemade classic stuffing offers an elegant, flavorful, and perfectly portioned alternative that will make your holiday meal truly special.

Imagine a beautifully golden-brown bird, crisp-skinned and succulent, filled with aromatic, savory stuffing. That’s exactly what you get with a Cornish hen. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving but prefer a more manageable cooking project. Forget the hours of brining and basting a huge turkey; these smaller birds cook relatively quickly, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the company.

Roasted Cornish hen in pan with stuffing

How many people will you be serving this Thanksgiving? I often hear from readers how much they appreciate my small-batch recipes, as they frequently only need to prepare 2-4 servings. This feedback got me thinking about the holiday season. While grand, large-family Thanksgivings are a cherished tradition for many, countless others find themselves needing to cater for just a couple of people, or a small household.

There are numerous reasons why a smaller Thanksgiving dinner might be your ideal. Perhaps your family is small, or everyone’s schedules make it challenging to gather on one specific day. Maybe you’re craving the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving in June, long before November rolls around. Whatever the occasion, a delicious, scaled-down meal should always be an option.

In my own family, there are only four of us. My apartment isn’t spacious enough for holiday cooking, so I typically prepare most of the meal at my parents’ house. We never roast a whole turkey because the leftovers would last for literal months! Not only is it far too much food for four people, but my mom and brother aren’t particularly fond of turkey to begin with. Instead, 90 percent of the time, we opt for two Stuffed Cornish Hens with homemade stuffing, which perfectly serves our group and provides just enough for a light next-day meal.

Sometimes we might experiment with stuffed turkey breast, turkey tenderloin, or turkey legs, but the Cornish hen remains our go-to. We roast two hens to serve four people, and any leftover meat is fantastic for chicken salad. Today, I’m thrilled to share my traditional stuffed Cornish hen recipe, because I know I’m not alone in wanting a delicious, festive meal without the monumental task of cooking a 20-pound turkey for the biggest food holiday of the year.

Close up of Cornish hen in pan with stuffing

What is the Difference Between a Chicken and a Cornish Hen?

A Cornish game hen, often simply called a Cornish hen, is a specific type of broiler chicken breed. It’s essentially a very young, small chicken, typically weighing between 1 to 2 pounds. This makes it significantly smaller than a regular chicken (which can range from 3 to 7 pounds) and therefore, perfectly sized for single servings or small family meals. While its name includes “game hen,” it’s not wild game; it’s a commercially raised poultry known for its tender meat and delicate flavor.

One of the great advantages of Cornish hens is their year-round availability. You can usually find them in the frozen poultry section of most grocery stores, making them accessible far beyond the traditional holiday season. This means you don’t have to wait until November to enjoy a delightful, small Thanksgiving dinner for two; you can prepare this elegant meal any time the craving strikes!

Why Choose Stuffed Cornish Hens for Your Holiday Meal?

Opting for stuffed Cornish hens over a large turkey offers several compelling benefits, especially for smaller gatherings or anyone looking to simplify their holiday cooking:

Perfect Portion Control: Each hen is ideally sized for one person, offering a beautiful individual presentation. This eliminates the need to carve a large bird at the table and ensures everyone gets a generous, perfectly cooked portion.
Reduced Cooking Time: A significant advantage is the drastically shorter cooking time compared to a full-sized turkey. While a large turkey can take many hours, Cornish hens are typically done in under an hour, freeing up your oven and your time.
Less Stress, Less Waste: Preparing a smaller bird means less food preparation, less cooking anxiety, and significantly fewer leftovers (unless you plan for them!). This minimizes food waste and makes clean-up much easier.
Elegant Presentation: A whole roasted Cornish hen on a plate offers a wonderfully elegant and sophisticated look, making even a simple dinner feel special and luxurious.
Versatility Beyond Holidays: While perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, Cornish hens are also fantastic for intimate dinner parties, romantic meals, or even just a weeknight treat when you want something a bit special.

Essential Ingredients For Stuffed Cornish Hen

To create your flavorful Cornish hen with its classic, savory stuffing, you’ll need a handful of fresh and simple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the delicious flavors and textures of this dish:

Cornish Hen: Typically found in the frozen chicken section of your grocery store. Remember to give it ample time to thaw in the refrigerator, usually 24-48 hours, depending on its size. Ensure giblets are removed before cooking.
Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs impart an earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with poultry. If fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with rosemary for a similar herb note.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the hen and help crisp up the skin. Don’t be shy; a good seasoning on the skin makes a big difference.
Olive Oil: Brushing the hen with olive oil before roasting helps achieve that coveted crispy, golden-brown skin, adding texture and richness.

For the classic homemade stuffing, these ingredients are key:

Butter: Unsalted butter is the foundation of our stuffing, providing richness and helping to bind all the ingredients together while imparting a delicious flavor.
Onion, Celery, and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of your stuffing. Sautéing them releases their sweet, savory, and pungent notes, creating a deeply satisfying foundation. Even if you’re not usually a fan of celery, like me, this is one time it truly shines.
Bread: The core of any good stuffing! You can use white bread or whole wheat. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs flavors more readily without becoming mushy. Cut it into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even texture.

How To Bake Stuffed Cornish Hens: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a perfectly baked stuffed Cornish hen is simpler than you might think, starting with the homemade stuffing and moving on to the roasting process. Follow these steps for a delicious and impressive meal:

1. Prepare the Homemade Classic Stuffing:

Begin by making your stuffing, which is the heart of this dish. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and shimmering, add your finely chopped onion, celery, and a generous pinch of salt. Cook these aromatics until they are softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. The goal is to mellow their flavors and bring out their natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic.

Once the aromatics are ready, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add your 1/2-inch bread pieces and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together thoroughly until the bread pieces are evenly moistened by the butter and the cooked vegetables. This classic stuffing recipe is actually my mom’s, and the celery is a non-negotiable part of its charm – it’s the one time I eagerly make an exception for it!

2. Prepare and Stuff the Cornish Hen:

Now it’s time to get your Cornish hen ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and have a small roasting pan or an 8×8 inch baking dish ready. In a small bowl, combine the fresh thyme leaves (or your herb of choice), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This will be your simple yet effective seasoning blend.

Carefully fill the cavity of the thawed Cornish hen with the prepared homemade stuffing. Don’t overpack it, as the stuffing expands slightly during cooking. If you have any extra stuffing, spread it out on the bottom of your roasting pan. This extra stuffing will soak up delicious juices from the hen and develop wonderfully crispy edges in the oven – a texture I personally adore even more than the stuffing inside the bird!

At this point, if you wish for a tidier presentation, you can use oven-safe kitchen twine to tie the hen’s legs together. This helps the bird cook more evenly and creates a more compact shape, though it’s certainly not essential for taste.

3. Season and Roast:

Brush the entire outside of the stuffed Cornish hen with olive oil. Then, generously rub your thyme, salt, and pepper mixture all over the hen. Make sure to get into crevices, under the wings, and even gently lift the skin to rub some seasoning directly onto the breast meat for maximum flavor. You can absolutely substitute your favorite herbs and spices here, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or a poultry seasoning blend.

Place the seasoned hen on top of the extra stuffing in the pan, or on a roasting rack if you don’t have extra stuffing. Bake the Cornish hen in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the chicken (usually the thigh) is pierced with a knife, and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) registers 165°F (74°C). The skin should be beautifully golden and crispy.

Should Cornish Hens Be Cooked Covered or Uncovered?

This is a common question I get every year from my parents when they lend a hand with holiday dinner prep! And the answer is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy skin.

Whatever you do, do not cover your Cornish hen with aluminum foil during the main baking process. Covering the hen traps in heat and moisture, essentially steaming the skin, which will prevent it from becoming golden-brown and delightfully crispy. We want that beautiful, crackly skin! For the majority of the cooking time, keep your Cornish hen uncovered to allow the skin to crisp up and develop its rich color. If you find the skin browning too quickly towards the end of the cooking time, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes, but avoid covering it tightly.

Cornish hen in roasting pan with stuffing

How Many People Does One Cornish Hen Serve?

The serving size of one Cornish hen largely depends on the context of your meal and the appetite of your guests. If you are serving the Cornish hen as the main component of a simpler meal, perhaps with just one small side dish like a sweet potato casserole for two, then it’s generally best to plan for one game hen per person. This ensures everyone gets a substantial and satisfying portion.

However, in the context of a large holiday feast like Thanksgiving, where you’ll likely be serving an abundance of various side dishes, one Cornish hen can easily feed two people. This is especially true if you’re serving individuals with smaller appetites, such as children. For my specific recipe, it’s scaled to make one stuffed Cornish hen for a true “Thanksgiving For Two” experience. But as mentioned, when I cook for my family of four, I simply double the recipe and prepare two hens, which works out perfectly. If you’re also making two game hens, use a 13×9 inch pan to bake both simultaneously, ensuring ample space for even cooking.

More Thanksgiving For Two Recipes

Since the likelihood of you reading this while planning your holiday menu is quite high, here are links to my favorite accompanying dishes that pair wonderfully with Stuffed Cornish Hen. These small-batch recipes are designed to complement your intimate celebration beautifully.

For a comprehensive list of ideas, be sure to check out my dedicated Thanksgiving Dinner For Two and Christmas Dinner For Two menus for even more inspiration.

Homemade Gravy Without Drippings – A savory gravy is a must-have! Serve it alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes for two.

Vegan Mushroom Gravy – For those who love mushrooms as much as I do, this extra flavorful gravy adds a gourmet touch to your bird and sides.

Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash – If you’re hosting someone who doesn’t eat meat, a beautiful stuffed butternut squash makes a perfect and satisfying alternative main dish. Make one Cornish hen for yourself and a squash for your guest!

Stovetop Scalloped Potatoes – This brilliant recipe frees up valuable oven space, allowing you to cook a delicious potato side while your Cornish hen roasts.

Au Gratin Potatoes For Two – These cheesy au gratin potatoes do require oven space, but they can often cook at the same time as the hen. Since the hen cooks at a slightly higher temperature, the potatoes might even be done a little faster than their recipe states.

Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup – Using a small casserole dish, you can still enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving casserole with minimal leftovers.

Small Batch Cranberry Sauce – This recipe yields one small jar, perfect for 2-4 servings. Any delicious leftovers can be spread on cranberry baked Brie!

Small Pumpkin Pie – Of course, no Thanksgiving dinner is truly complete without a traditional pumpkin pie! This pumpkin pie for two, featuring a homemade small pie crust, is scaled down to bake perfectly in a 6-inch pie plate.

Small Pecan Pie – Another beloved pie for Thanksgiving, also perfectly portioned and baked in a 6-inch plate.