For many, Christmas is a time for indulgence and feasting on delicious food. While traditional Christmas meals typically include a whole roast turkey, there are other equally scrumptious options to consider. One such option is the Christmas Cornish hens recipe, which offers a unique and flavorful twist to the traditional holiday feast. With its succulent and tender meat, this dish is sure to please your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making the perfect Christmas Cornish hens.
Roasted Cornish Hens With Double Mushroom Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, I Can T
This recipe takes the classic beer can chicken to a whole new level. By stuffing the hens with a delicious mix of double mushrooms, you'll get a burst of umami flavor with every bite. The mushrooms are sautéed with garlic and thyme, then mixed with breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese for a hearty and flavorful stuffing.
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Roasted Cornish Hens With Cherry-bourbon Glaze
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cornish Hen, Cherry Juice, Orange Juice
For a sweet and tangy twist on beer can chicken, try this recipe with a cherry-bourbon glaze. The glaze is made with cherry preserves, bourbon, and a touch of soy sauce for depth of flavor. It's brushed on the hens during the last few minutes of roasting, creating a delicious sticky glaze that will have everyone going back for seconds.
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Apple & Pecan Stuffed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Unsalted Butter, Small Onion, Celery
This recipe is perfect for fall, with its combination of apples, pecans, and warm spices. The hens are stuffed with a mix of diced apples, chopped pecans, and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This stuffing also adds a nice crunch to the tender and juicy hens.
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Cornish Hens With Orange Apricot Glaze
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Orange Juice, Water, Mandarin Oranges
This recipe combines the sweetness of apricot with the tanginess of orange for a flavorful glaze that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The glaze is made with apricot preserves, orange juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a little kick. It's brushed on the hens during the last few minutes of roasting, creating a deliciously shiny and flavorful glaze.
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Herb Roasted Cornish Hens with Root Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Unsalted Butter, Apple Cider, Fresh
Add some color and nutrition to your beer can chicken with this recipe that includes a mix of root vegetables. The hens are roasted with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, and seasoned with a blend of herbs including rosemary, thyme, and parsley. The result is a flavorful and healthy one-pan meal.
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Fruit and Wild Rice Stuffed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Premium Cornish Hens, Water, Wild Rice Mix, Butter
This recipe adds a fruity twist to the traditional beer can chicken. The hens are stuffed with a mix of wild rice, dried cranberries, and chopped almonds for a hearty and flavorful stuffing. The fruit and nut combination adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the juicy and tender hens.
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Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Chopped Onion, Chopped Celery, Chopped
If you're looking for a stuffing option that is both savory and sweet, this recipe is for you. The hens are stuffed with a mix of wild rice, apples, dried cranberries, and a touch of maple syrup for added sweetness. This stuffing pairs perfectly with the juicy and flavorful hens.
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Roasted Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Rosemary, Thyme, Large Onion, Garlic
For a classic and no-fuss beer can chicken recipe, try this one. The hens are simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder, then roasted until golden brown and crispy. This recipe allows the natural flavors of the hens to shine through, making it a crowd-pleaser.
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[ad] Cornish Hens with Sausage Stuffing - A Holiday...
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sausage, Onion, Celery, Cornbread Stuffing Mix
If you're looking to impress your guests during the holiday season, this recipe is a must-try. The hens are stuffed with a flavorful mix of sausage, apples, and herbs, creating a delicious and hearty stuffing that pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender hens. This dish is sure to become a holiday favorite.
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Rotisserie Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Brown Sugar, Cornish Hens, Vegetable Oil
If you have a rotisserie attachment for your grill or oven, take your beer can chicken to the next level with this recipe. The hens are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then cooked on the rotisserie for even and flavorful cooking. This method also creates a crispy and delicious skin that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Perfect Baked Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. The hens are seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then baked in the oven until juicy and golden brown. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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Slow Cooker Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Sweet Potatoes, Red Onion, Garlic Powder
If you're short on time or don't want to heat up the oven, this recipe is for you. The hens are cooked in a slow cooker with a mix of vegetables and spices, creating a tender and flavorful dish. This method also allows you to set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days.
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Easy Roasted Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Celery Stalk, Yellow Onion, Rosemary, Minced
This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy beer can chicken recipe. The hens are seasoned with a simple blend of spices and herbs, then roasted until juicy and golden brown. This recipe is great for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
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Classic Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Butter, Hot Sauce, Lemon Juice, Fine Sea
For a classic and foolproof beer can chicken recipe, try this one. The hens are seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then roasted until juicy and golden brown. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and will always be a crowd-pleaser.
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Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Buttermilk, Salt, Garlic Powder, Cayenne
For an extra juicy and flavorful beer can chicken, try this recipe that includes a buttermilk brine. The hens are soaked in a mixture of buttermilk, herbs, and spices for several hours, then roasted in the oven until tender and golden brown. This method adds a nice tang and tenderness to the hens.
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Crock-Pot Herbed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Spice, Cherry Tomatoes, Green Beans
If you want a hassle-free beer can chicken, try this recipe that uses a slow cooker. The hens are seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, then cooked in the slow cooker with vegetables and broth. This method creates a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort.
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Rotisserie Marinated Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Orange Juice, Garlic Cloves
For a flavorful and tender beer can chicken, try marinating the hens before cooking. This recipe uses a blend of herbs, garlic, and lemon juice to create a delicious and tangy marinade. The hens are then cooked on a rotisserie for even and flavorful cooking.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this recipe that uses an air fryer. The hens are seasoned with a mix of spices and herbs, then cooked in the air fryer until crispy and juicy. This method creates a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional roasting methods.
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Grilled Cornish Hens with Lemon and Rosemary
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For a summer twist on beer can chicken, try this recipe that uses a grill. The hens are seasoned with a blend of lemon zest, rosemary, and garlic, then grilled until tender and juicy. This method creates a nice smoky flavor and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.
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The Perfect Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Meyer Lemons, Sweet Cream Butter, Fresh
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. The hens are seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then roasted until juicy and golden brown. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Choose Cornish Hens for Christmas
If you're looking for a change from the usual turkey dinner, then Christmas Cornish hens are the perfect choice. These small birds are a cross between a Cornish game hen and a white rock chicken, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. The smaller size of the hens also makes them ideal for smaller gatherings or for those who don't want to deal with the leftovers from a large turkey. Plus, cooking individual hens allows for more even cooking and ensures that everyone gets a perfect portion.
Preparing the Hens
Before cooking the hens, it's essential to properly prepare them. Start by rinsing the hens under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Then, season them generously with herbs and spices of your choice, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, and paprika. You can also marinate the hens overnight for even more flavor. Brining the hens is also an excellent option to keep the meat moist and tender. Make sure to tie the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Methods
There are several ways to cook Christmas Cornish hens, but the most popular methods are roasting and grilling. For roasting, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the hens on a roasting rack in a large baking dish. Roast for about 45 minutes, basting occasionally with melted butter or olive oil. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the hens directly on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Once the hens are done cooking, let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat. You can serve the hens whole, or for a more elegant presentation, halve them and arrange them on a platter. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce.
In conclusion, Christmas Cornish hens are a delicious and unique option for your holiday dinner. With their tender and flavorful meat, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and add a new tradition to your Christmas feast? Happy cooking!
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