17+ Easy Cornish Hen Recipe For Thanksgiving Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
The holiday season is fast approaching and that means it’s time to start planning for the biggest feast of the year – Thanksgiving! While many people opt for the traditional turkey, why not switch things up this year and try an easy cornish hen recipe? These petite birds are perfect for smaller gatherings or for those who want a more unique and flavorful main course. With the right recipe and some simple tips, you can impress your guests with a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving meal.
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
If you're looking for a delicious and impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party, look no further than a perfectly roasted Cornish hen. These small game birds are full of flavor and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making them a versatile and tasty addition to any menu. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, these top 20 beer can chicken recipes will have you roasting up a storm in no time.
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Crispy Baked Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Lemon, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
For a classic and simple take on Cornish hen, try baking it in the oven until it's crispy and golden brown. This recipe calls for a simple but flavorful marinade of garlic, lemon, and herbs, which infuses the meat with delicious flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Buttermilk Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Buttermilk, Garlic Cloves, Garlic Powder
If you're looking for a way to keep your Cornish hen moist and tender, try marinating it in buttermilk before roasting. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. This recipe also adds a touch of sweetness with a honey and thyme glaze, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
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Air Fryer Cornish hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Coconut
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Cornish hen, try cooking it in an air fryer. This method results in a crispy and perfectly cooked bird in just a fraction of the time it takes to roast it in the oven. The best part? You can still add your favorite marinades and herbs for a customized and flavorful meal.
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Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Garlic, Olive Oil, Honey, Sambal Oelek
Put a spin on traditional shawarma by using a Cornish hen instead of chicken. The smaller size of the bird makes it perfect for individual servings, and the spices and marinade give it a delicious Middle Eastern flavor. Serve it with pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Roasted Cornish Hen (with Mixed Vegetables)
Main Ingredients: Small Potatoes, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Cornish Hens
If you want to cut down on cleanup time, try roasting your Cornish hen alongside some vegetables. This recipe uses a variety of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, which cook alongside the bird and soak up all the delicious flavors. The result is a one-pan meal that is both delicious and easy to prepare.
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CORNISH HEN ROASTED IN WINE AND HERBS WITH POTATOES
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Onion, Garlic, Rosemary, White Wine
For a French-inspired twist on Cornish hen, try roasting it in wine and herbs. The wine not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meat moist and tender. This recipe also includes potatoes, which are roasted alongside the bird and absorb all the delicious flavors. It's a simple but elegant dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests.
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Best Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Lean Ham, Small Shallots, Medium Carrots
If you're looking for a tried and true recipe for the best Cornish hen, look no further. This recipe uses a combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful marinade that infuses the meat with delicious flavor. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a simple but satisfying meal.
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Cornish Hen Curry
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Lemon Juice, Salt, Red Chili Powder
For a unique and flavorful take on Cornish hen, try making it into a curry. This recipe uses a combination of spices and coconut milk to create a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy meat. Serve it over rice for a complete 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 sweet and tangy twist on Cornish hen, try grilling it and glazing it with a delicious orange sauce. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the citrusy and slightly sweet glaze, making it a perfect summer dish. Serve it with your favorite grilled vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Tarragon, Garlic Powder, Onion
Another delicious and easy way to prepare Cornish hen is by using an air fryer. This recipe uses a simple but flavorful marinade of garlic, lemon, and herbs, which infuses the meat with delicious flavor. The air fryer cooks the hen to perfection, resulting in a crispy and juicy bird that is sure to be a hit at any dinner party.
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Sous Vide Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Olive Oil, Preserved Lemons, Ras El
If you're a fan of sous vide cooking, why not give it a try with Cornish hen? This method results in perfectly cooked and tender meat that is infused with all the flavors of the marinade. Finish it off with a quick sear in a hot pan to get that crispy skin and you have a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
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Spicy Honey Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
For a sweet and spicy twist on Cornish hen, try this recipe that uses a delicious honey and Sriracha glaze. The honey adds a touch of sweetness while the Sriracha gives it a nice kick of heat. The result is a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
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Szechuan-Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Szechuan Pepper, Poblano Chiles, Ketjap Manis, Garlic
If you love spicy food, you'll love this Szechuan-style roasted Cornish hen. The marinade is a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Szechuan peppercorns, which gives the meat a delicious and spicy flavor. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying 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, you can easily make a delicious Cornish hen in no time. This recipe uses a simple but flavorful marinade of garlic, lemon, and herbs, which infuses the meat with delicious flavor. The Ninja Foodi's pressure cooking function cooks the hen to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy bird that is sure to impress.
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{Slow Cooker} Herb & Citrus Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Yellow Onion, Celery Stalks, Carrots
For an easy and hands-off approach to cooking Cornish hen, try using a slow cooker. This recipe uses a combination of herbs and citrus to create a flavorful marinade that infuses the meat with delicious flavor. Simply set it and forget it, and come home to a delicious and tender bird for dinner.
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Instant Pot Cornish hen with potatoes
Main Ingredients: Rosemary, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Pink Salt
Using an Instant Pot is another easy and quick way to cook Cornish hen. This recipe uses a simple but flavorful marinade of garlic, lemon, and herbs, which infuses the meat with delicious flavor. The Instant Pot cooks the hen to perfection in just a fraction of the time, and the potatoes are cooked alongside the bird for a one-pot meal.
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Ad - Asian Brined Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Water, Soy, Fresh
For a unique and flavorful twist on Cornish hen, try brining it with Asian-inspired flavors. This recipe uses a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to create a delicious and umami-packed brine. The result is a tender and flavorful bird that is perfect for any Asian-inspired meal.
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Lemon Herb Spatchcock Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter
If you want to cook your Cornish hen quickly and evenly, try spatchcocking it. This method involves removing the backbone of the bird and flattening it out before cooking. This recipe uses a simple but flavorful marinade of lemon and herbs, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird that cooks in just a fraction of the time as a traditional roast.
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Cornish Hen with Velouté Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Olive Oil, Chopped Garlic, Fresh Herbs
For a fancy and elegant take on Cornish hen, try serving it with a velouté sauce. This creamy and rich sauce is made with a roux and chicken stock, which pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy meat. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a Cornish hen, then look no further than a simple roasted recipe. This classic method of cooking brings out the natural flavors of the hen and results in a tender and juicy meat. To make a roasted Cornish hen, simply season the bird with your favorite herbs and spices, and roast it in the oven until it's golden brown and fully cooked.
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Crispy Baked Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Lemon, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
If you're a fan of crispy skin on your chicken, then you'll love this baked Cornish hen recipe. With a combination of butter and oil, this recipe ensures a perfectly crispy and flavorful skin every time. The hen is then baked in the oven until it's fully cooked and the skin is golden brown and crispy. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that will please any crowd.
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Buttermilk Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Buttermilk, Garlic Cloves, Garlic Powder
For a unique twist on a traditional Cornish hen, try marinating your bird in buttermilk before cooking. This will not only add a tangy and rich flavor to the meat, but it will also help keep it tender and moist. Simply soak the hen in buttermilk for a few hours before cooking and then roast it in the oven until it's fully cooked. The result is a flavorful and tender hen that will impress your taste buds.
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Air Fryer Cornish hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Coconut
The air fryer is a popular kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food with minimal oil, resulting in healthier and less greasy meals. This makes it the perfect tool for cooking Cornish hens, which are naturally lean and can easily dry out if overcooked. With an air fryer, you can cook a Cornish hen to perfection in less time and with less effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Garlic, Olive Oil, Honey, Sambal Oelek
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a Cornish hen is to keep it simple and let the natural flavors of the bird shine. This basic recipe calls for seasoning the hen with simple herbs and spices, and then roasting it in the oven until it's fully cooked. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.
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Roasted Cornish Hen (with Mixed Vegetables)
Main Ingredients: Small Potatoes, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Cornish Hens
If you want to add some veggies to your Cornish hen dish, then try roasting them alongside the bird. This recipe calls for a mix of seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, to be roasted with the hen. The result is a complete and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup.
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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 sophisticated Cornish hen dish, try roasting it in a mixture of wine and herbs. This creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will infuse the meat with a delicious taste. The potatoes are also roasted in the same wine and herb mixture, making them the perfect accompaniment to the hen. This dish is sure to impress your dinner guests.
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Best Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Lean Ham, Small Shallots, Medium Carrots
If you want to make the best Cornish hen possible, then follow this tried and true recipe. It calls for a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, which helps to infuse the meat with a delicious flavor. The hen is then roasted in the oven until it's fully cooked, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird that will have your taste buds singing.
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Cornish Hen Curry
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Lemon Juice, Salt, Red Chili Powder
If you're a fan of spicy and flavorful dishes, then you'll love this Cornish hen curry recipe. The hen is marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. It's then cooked in a savory and aromatic curry sauce, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
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#AD Grilled Cornish Hen with a Orange Sauce Glaze
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Sauce, Kikkoman Soy Sauce
For a summery and fruity twist on a classic Cornish hen, try grilling it with an orange sauce glaze. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is the perfect complement to the tender and juicy meat. This recipe is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a light and refreshing summer dinner.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Tarragon, Garlic Powder, Onion
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of dishes, including Cornish hens. This recipe calls for seasoning the hen with a blend of spices and cooking it in the air fryer until it's fully cooked and crispy. The result is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
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Sous Vide Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Olive Oil, Preserved Lemons, Ras El
Sous vide cooking involves cooking food in a temperature-controlled water bath, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender meat every time. This method is perfect for cooking Cornish hens, which can easily dry out if overcooked. By cooking the hen in a sous vide water bath, you can ensure a juicy and flavorful bird that will impress even the toughest food critics.
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Spicy Honey Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
If you like a little kick in your dishes, then this spicy honey roasted Cornish hen recipe is for you. The hen is seasoned with a blend of spices and then coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze before being roasted in the oven. The result is a perfectly balanced dish with a crispy and flavorful skin and tender and juicy meat.
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Szechuan-Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Szechuan Pepper, Poblano Chiles, Ketjap Manis, Garlic
If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, then you'll love this Szechuan-roasted Cornish hen recipe. The hen is marinated in a mixture of Szechuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and other spices, giving it a delicious and fiery kick. It's then roasted in the oven until it's fully cooked and tender, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Ninja Foodi Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Mrs Dash
The Ninja Foodi is a multi-cooker that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, air fryer, and more, making it a great tool for cooking Cornish hens. This recipe calls for seasoning the hen with a blend of herbs and spices and then cooking it in the Ninja Foodi until it's fully cooked and crispy. The result is a delicious and perfectly cooked Cornish hen that will have you coming back for seconds.
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{Slow Cooker} Herb & Citrus Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Yellow Onion, Celery Stalks, Carrots
The slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to cook a variety of dishes, including Cornish hens. This recipe calls for seasoning the hen with a blend of herbs and citrus flavors and then cooking it in the slow cooker until it's fully cooked and tender. The result is a flavorful and juicy hen that requires minimal effort and results in maximum flavor.
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Instant Pot Cornish hen with potatoes
Main Ingredients: Rosemary, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Pink Salt
The Instant Pot is a popular kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of meals in a fraction of the time. This recipe calls for cooking the Cornish hen and potatoes together in the Instant Pot, resulting in a complete and delicious meal that requires minimal effort and time. The hen is tender and juicy, and the potatoes are perfectly cooked and flavored by the juices from the hen.
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Ad - Asian Brined Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Water, Soy, Fresh
For a unique and flavor-packed Cornish hen, try brining it Asian-style. This involves marinating the hen in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and other Asian-inspired flavors, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird. It's then roasted in the oven until it's fully cooked and crispy, making it a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your dinner guests.
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Lemon Herb Spatchcock Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter
Spatchcocking is a cooking technique that involves removing the backbone of the bird and flattening it out, resulting in a quicker cooking time and more even cooking. This recipe calls for spatchcocking a Cornish hen and seasoning it with a blend of lemon and herbs before roasting it in the oven. The result is a flavorful and perfectly cooked hen that will have you licking your fingers.
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Cornish Hen with Velouté Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hen, Olive Oil, Chopped Garlic, Fresh Herbs
For a more elegant and decadent Cornish hen dish, try serving it with a velouté sauce. This classic French sauce is made with a roux and chicken stock, resulting in a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy meat of the hen. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your dinner guests with a gourmet meal.
Why Choose Cornish Hens for Thanksgiving?
Perfect for Smaller Gatherings
One of the main advantages of using cornish hens for Thanksgiving is their size. These small birds typically weigh between 1-2 pounds, making them ideal for smaller gatherings or for those who don’t want to be stuck with a ton of leftovers. Plus, each person gets their own individual bird, which adds a fun and festive touch to the meal.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Another great reason to choose cornish hens for Thanksgiving is that they are incredibly easy to prepare. Unlike a whole turkey, which can take hours to cook, cornish hens can be ready in just 45 minutes to an hour. This is perfect for busy holiday hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of their loved ones.
Delicious and Flavorful
Don’t let their small size fool you – cornish hens are packed with flavor! These birds have a higher ratio of meat to bone compared to other poultry, which means each bite is filled with juicy and succulent meat. Plus, since they are smaller, they cook more evenly and are less likely to dry out like larger birds.
The Easy Cornish Hen Recipe for Thanksgiving
Now that you know why cornish hens are the perfect choice for Thanksgiving, let’s dive into the easy recipe. First, gather all of your ingredients:
- 4 cornish hens, thawed
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs of rosemary
- 4 tablespoons of butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Rinse the cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Season the hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
5. Place a lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary inside each bird.
6. Using your hands, spread the butter mixture all over the hens, making sure to get under the skin as well.
7. Place the hens in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
8. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to roast for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
9. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
With this easy cornish hen recipe, you can create a delicious and impressive Thanksgiving meal without breaking a sweat. Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy a stress-free holiday feast. So this Thanksgiving, skip the traditional turkey and try something new with these flavorful and tender cornish hens. Your taste buds – and your guests – will thank you.
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