19+ Thanksgiving Cornish Hens Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Cornish hens are a popular alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. These smaller birds are perfect for smaller gatherings or for those who want a change from the usual holiday fare. But cooking Cornish hens can be intimidating for some. That's why we've put together this easy and delicious Thanksgiving Cornish hens recipe to help you impress your guests and take some stress off your holiday preparations. So let's get cooking and make this Thanksgiving one to remember with our mouth-watering Cornish hens!
Roasted Cornish Hens With Double Mushroom Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, I Can T
This recipe takes beer can chicken to a whole new level. Instead of using one chicken, we're using two Cornish hens and stuffing them with a delicious mixture of mushrooms, herbs, and bread. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. Plus, the double mushroom stuffing adds an earthy and savory touch that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor from the grill.
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Cranberry Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Apple, Cranberries, Fresh Rosemary
If you're looking for a festive and flavorful dish, look no further than these cranberry apple stuffed Cornish hens. The combination of sweet and tart cranberries with juicy apples creates a delicious stuffing that complements the tender chicken perfectly. Plus, the addition of a honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness and helps the skin crisp up on the grill.
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Apple & Pecan Stuffed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Unsalted Butter, Small Onion, Celery
For a twist on the traditional stuffing, try this recipe that incorporates apples and pecans. The sweetness from the apples and the crunch from the pecans add a unique and delicious flavor to the chicken. Plus, the added bonus of a honey mustard glaze adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish.
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Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Chopped Onion, Chopped Celery, Chopped
If you're a fan of rice stuffing, this recipe is for you. The combination of tangy cranberries, sweet apples, and hearty rice creates a flavorful and filling stuffing that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. The addition of a savory herb butter adds a delicious richness to the dish.
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Roasted Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Rosemary, Thyme, Large Onion, Garlic
If you're looking for a classic and foolproof beer can chicken recipe, this is it. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish that will impress your friends and family. The key is to season the chicken generously with your favorite herbs and spices and let the grill do the rest of the work.
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Rotisserie Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Brown Sugar, Cornish Hens, Vegetable Oil
For a perfectly cooked and juicy chicken, try this rotisserie recipe. The constant rotation of the chicken on the grill ensures even cooking and locks in all the delicious flavors. Plus, the addition of a savory marinade adds a depth of flavor that will keep your taste buds wanting more.
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Perfect Baked Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion
If you don't have a grill or prefer to cook indoors, this recipe is for you. Baking the chicken in the oven results in a crispy and flavorful skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The secret to this recipe is the buttery and herb-filled sauce that is brushed over the chicken before baking.
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Slow Cooker Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Sweet Potatoes, Red Onion, Garlic Powder
If you want a hands-off approach to cooking beer can chicken, this recipe is perfect for you. Simply pop the chicken in the slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours until tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and succulent chicken that requires minimal effort.
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Easy Roasted Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Celery Stalk, Yellow Onion, Rosemary, Minced
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests, this easy roasted Cornish hen recipe is a lifesaver. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and flavorful chicken ready to serve in no time. The secret to this recipe is the addition of a flavorful rub that is applied before roasting.
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Classic Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Butter, Hot Sauce, Lemon Juice, Fine Sea
Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. This traditional beer can chicken recipe is a tried and true favorite that never disappoints. The key to this recipe is to keep things simple and let the natural flavors of the chicken shine. A generous sprinkle of your favorite herbs and spices is all it takes to create a delicious and juicy dish.
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Crock-Pot Herbed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Spice, Cherry Tomatoes, Green Beans
For a hands-off approach to cooking beer can chicken, try this crock-pot recipe. The slow cooking process ensures a tender and juicy chicken, while the addition of savory herbs adds a delicious and aromatic flavor. Plus, using a crock-pot frees up your oven and grill for other dishes, making it a perfect choice for large gatherings.
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Rotisserie Marinated Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Orange Juice, Garlic Cloves
For a flavorful and tender chicken, try marinating your Cornish hens before cooking. This recipe uses a delicious blend of herbs, spices, and citrus to create a tangy and savory marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor. And the added bonus? The marinade doubles as a delicious basting sauce for even more flavor on the grill.
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Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Buttermilk, Salt, Garlic Powder, Cayenne
For an extra juicy and flavorful chicken, try brining your Cornish hens in buttermilk. The acidic nature of the buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with a tangy and savory flavor. The result is a succulent and delicious chicken that is sure to impress.
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Roasted Cornish Hens With Cherry-bourbon Glaze
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cornish Hen, Cherry Juice, Orange Juice
If you're looking for a show-stopping dish, this recipe is for you. The combination of a sweet and tangy cherry-bourbon glaze with a rich and savory chicken is a match made in heaven. The key to this recipe is to baste the chicken regularly with the glaze while it cooks on the grill, creating a delicious and flavorful crust on the skin.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper
If you have an air fryer, you have to try this recipe. The air fryer creates a crispy and flavorful skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. And the best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to cook, making it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious meal.
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Grilled Cornish Hens with Lemon and Rosemary
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For a fresh and flavorful spin on beer can chicken, try this recipe that incorporates lemon and rosemary. The citrusy and herbaceous flavors add a bright and delicious touch to the tender and juicy chicken. And the best part? You can use the leftover lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs to garnish the finished dish for a beautiful presentation.
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The Perfect Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Meyer Lemons, Sweet Cream Butter, Fresh
If you're looking for a recipe that truly lives up to its name, this is it. The combination of savory herbs, tangy lemon, and sweet honey creates a delicious and flavorful chicken that is truly perfect. And the addition of a beer can not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps keep it moist and tender on the grill.
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lndian Roasted Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Carrots, Red Potatoes, Ground Cumin
For a spicy and flavorful twist on beer can chicken, try this Indian-inspired recipe. The combination of aromatic spices and tangy yogurt creates a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor. And the added bonus? The leftover marinade can be used as a dipping sauce for even more flavor.
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Instant Pot Cornish Hens (From Fresh Or Frozen)
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Water, Salt, Pepper
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy delicious beer can chicken, this recipe is perfect for you. Using an Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time while still resulting in a tender and juicy chicken. And the best part? You can use fresh or frozen Cornish hens, making it a convenient and versatile recipe.
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Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Lemon Juice, Butter, Oregano, Paprika
And last but certainly not least, we have a classic and foolproof recipe for Cornish hens. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and flavorful chicken ready to serve in no time. The key is to season the chicken generously with your favorite herbs and spices and let the oven do the rest of the work.
Preparing the Hens
What You'll Need:
To begin, you'll need Cornish hens, garlic, thyme, rosemary, butter, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the hens and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity of each hen with garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprigs.
4. Tie the legs of the hens together with kitchen twine.
5. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and brush it over the hens.
6. Place the hens in a roasting pan and pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
7. Cover the pan with foil and roast for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and baste the hens with the pan juices.
9. Roast for an additional 20-25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
10. Check the internal temperature of the hens with a meat thermometer. They are done when the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Side Dishes to Pair with Cornish Hens
Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables are a classic side dish for Thanksgiving and pair perfectly with Cornish hens. Try roastingcarrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes along with your hens for a flavorful and colorful addition to your holiday table.
Cranberry Sauce:
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce. Make it from scratch with fresh cranberries and a touch of orange zest for a tangy and sweet accompaniment to your Cornish hens.
Wild Rice Stuffing:
For a hearty and flavorful side dish, try making a wild rice stuffing to serve with your Cornish hens. Sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms with cooked wild rice, herbs, and chicken broth for a delicious and unique stuffing option.
Conclusion
Cornish hens may be smaller than a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, but they are packed with flavor and make for an impressive main dish. With our easy-to-follow recipe and some delicious side dishes, you'll have a Thanksgiving feast that will leave your guests raving and asking for the recipe. So why not switch things up this Thanksgiving and give our Cornish hens a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
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