15+ Cornish Hen Recipe For Thanksgiving Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Mar 3, 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, many people start planning their holiday menus and looking for new and delicious recipes to impress their family and friends. One dish that is often overlooked but is perfect for a small gathering is a Cornish hen. This tasty bird is a great alternative to a traditional turkey and can be easily prepared with this mouth-watering Cornish hen recipe for Thanksgiving.
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
One of the most classic and delicious ways to prepare Cornish hen is by roasting it. The combination of herbs, spices, and a crispy skin makes for a mouth-watering dish that is sure to please any crowd. To start, season the hen with a mixture of rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Then, roast it in the oven at 375°F for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
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Crispy Baked Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Lemon, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to frying, try baking your Cornish hen instead. To achieve a crispy skin, coat the hen in olive oil and a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method results in a flavorful and juicy hen with a satisfying crunch.
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Buttermilk Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Buttermilk, Garlic Cloves, Garlic Powder
For a tender and flavorful Cornish hen, marinate it in buttermilk overnight before cooking. The acidity of the buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat while also adding a tangy flavor. Before roasting, be sure to season the hen with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting and delicious meal.
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Air Fryer Cornish hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Coconut
If you have an air fryer, you can easily make a delicious Cornish hen in a fraction of the time it takes to roast it in the oven. Simply season the hen with your desired spices and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The result is a juicy and flavorful hen with a crispy skin.
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Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Garlic, Olive Oil, Honey, Sambal Oelek
Sometimes simplicity is key when it comes to cooking. For a basic yet delicious Cornish hen, season it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Roast it in the oven at 375°F for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This simple method allows the natural flavors of the hen to shine through.
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Roasted Cornish Hen (with Mixed Vegetables)
Main Ingredients: Small Potatoes, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Cornish Hens
For a one-pan meal, try roasting your Cornish hen with a variety of vegetables. Cut up potatoes, carrots, and onions and place them around the hen in a roasting pan. Season everything with your desired herbs and spices and roast at 375°F for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method results in a flavorful and complete meal.
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CORNISH HEN ROASTED IN WINE AND HERBS WITH POTATOES
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Onion, Garlic, Rosemary, White Wine
For a more elevated and luxurious Cornish hen dish, try roasting it in a mixture of wine, garlic, and herbs. The wine adds a rich flavor to the hen while also keeping it moist and tender. Serve with roasted potatoes for a delicious and elegant dinner.
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Best Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Lean Ham, Small Shallots, Medium Carrots
If you're new to cooking Cornish hen and are unsure where to start, look no further than this tried and true recipe. Season the hen with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Roast at 375°F for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This simple yet delicious method is sure to become your go-to for making perfect Cornish hens every time.
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Cornish Hen Curry
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Lemon Juice, Salt, Red Chili Powder
Add some international flair to your Cornish hen by making a flavorful curry dish. Marinate the hen in a mixture of curry powder, garlic, and yogurt before roasting in the oven. Serve over a bed of rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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#AD Grilled Cornish Hen with a Orange Sauce Glaze
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Sauce, Kikkoman Soy Sauce
For a unique and flavorful twist on Cornish hen, try grilling it with a delicious orange sauce glaze. The citrusy and sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the savory hen. Serve with your favorite grilled vegetables for a complete and tasty meal.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Tarragon, Garlic Powder, Onion
For a healthier take on fried chicken, try making Cornish hen in your air fryer. Season the hen with your desired spices and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method results in a crispy and juicy hen without all the added oil and calories.
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Spicy Honey Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
Add some heat to your Cornish hen by making a spicy honey glaze. Combine honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic and brush over the hen before roasting. The result is a delicious and slightly sweet hen with a kick of heat.
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Szechuan-Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Szechuan Pepper, Poblano Chiles, Ketjap Manis, Garlic
For a Chinese-inspired dish, try roasting your Cornish hen with a flavorful Szechuan sauce. Marinate the hen in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ginger before roasting. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Ninja Foodi Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Mrs Dash
If you have a Ninja Foodi or other pressure cooker, you can easily make a delicious Cornish hen in a fraction of the time it takes to roast it in the oven. Season the hen with your desired spices and place it in the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method results in a tender and flavorful hen in no time.
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Sous Vide Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Olive Oil, Preserved Lemons, Ras El
Sous vide cooking is a popular method for achieving perfectly cooked meat every time. To make Cornish hen using this technique, season the hen with your desired spices and place it in a vacuum-sealed bag. Cook in a sous vide machine for about 2 hours at 165°F. Finish by searing the hen in a hot pan for a crispy skin.
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{Slow Cooker} Herb & Citrus Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Yellow Onion, Celery Stalks, Carrots
For a set-it-and-forget-it meal, try making Cornish hen in your slow cooker. Season the hen with a mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs and cook on low for about 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This method results in a tender and flavorful hen that falls off the bone.
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Ad - Asian Brined Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Water, Soy, Fresh
Brining is a great way to infuse flavor and moisture into any meat. For a delicious Asian-inspired Cornish hen, brine it in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger before roasting. The result is a juicy and flavorful hen with a hint of sweetness.
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Lemon Herb Spatchcock Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter
Spatchcocking is a technique where the backbone of the hen is removed to allow for quicker and more even cooking. For a delicious and easy spatchcocked Cornish hen, season it with lemon, thyme, and rosemary before roasting. This method results in a juicy and flavorful hen in no time.
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Cornish Hen with Velouté Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Olive Oil, Chopped Garlic, Fresh Herbs
For a creamy and flavorful sauce to accompany your Cornish hen, try making a velouté sauce. This French sauce is made by thickening chicken broth with a roux (a mixture of flour and butter). Season with herbs and spices to your liking and pour over your roasted hen for a delicious and elegant dish.
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Instant Pot Cornish hen with potatoes
Main Ingredients: Rosemary, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Pink Salt
For a complete and easy meal in one pot, try making Cornish hen with potatoes in your Instant Pot. Simply season the hen and place it in the Instant Pot with cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method results in a tender and flavorful hen with perfectly cooked potatoes.
Why Choose a Cornish Hen?
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the typical main course is a large and sometimes daunting turkey. However, if you are hosting a smaller gathering or looking for a new and unique dish to serve, a Cornish hen is the perfect choice. These small birds are a cross between a Cornish game hen and a white rock chicken, resulting in a succulent and flavorful meat that is perfect for a holiday feast.
The Perfect Size for a Small Gathering
One of the main benefits of choosing a Cornish hen for your Thanksgiving meal is its size. Unlike a turkey, which can feed a large crowd, a Cornish hen is perfect for a smaller gathering of 2-4 people. This makes it an ideal choice for couples, small families, or those hosting a more intimate Thanksgiving celebration.
Less Time-Consuming to Cook
Another advantage of using a Cornish hen for your Thanksgiving main course is the shorter cooking time. A turkey can take hours to cook, which can be stressful and time-consuming for the host. A Cornish hen, on the other hand, only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook, making it a great option for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their loved ones.
Impress Your Guests with Flavorful Meat
Not only are Cornish hens the perfect size and cooking time for a Thanksgiving meal, but they also boast a delicious and tender meat. The combination of the Cornish game hen and white rock chicken results in a flavorful and juicy meat that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, with this Cornish hen recipe for Thanksgiving, you can add your own seasoning and spices to make it even more delicious.
How to Prepare the Perfect Cornish Hen
Now that you know why a Cornish hen is the ideal choice for your Thanksgiving meal, it's time to learn how to prepare it. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and impressive main course:
Gather Your Ingredients
To make this Cornish hen recipe, you will need:
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Hens
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, rinse the hens and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a roasting pan and rub olive oil all over the skin. Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper over the hens, making sure to coat them evenly.
Cook the Hens
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F. Baste the hens with the juices in the pan every 15 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.
Let Them Rest
Once the hens are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender and juicy.
Time to Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Feast
With this simple and delicious Cornish hen recipe, you can easily impress your guests and have a stress-free Thanksgiving. So, why not give this tasty bird a try this year? Your taste buds (and guests) will thank you.
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