This Cornish game hen recipe produces elegant results that taste delicious. If you're looking for an impressive dinner that's surprisingly easy to make, your search ends with these top-rated Cornish game hens.
What Is a Cornish Hen?
A Cornish game hen is a variety of broiler chicken, which are chickens raised specifically for meat production. The result of cross-breeding Cornish and White Plymouth Rock chickens, Cornish game hens are served young and usually weigh between one and two pounds.
Their small size gives the hens a unique flavor and texture that's different from regular chicken. Cornish game hens are usually enjoyed individually as single-serving entrees.
How to Cook Cornish Hens
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
What You'll Need
These are the ingredients you'll need to make this elegant Cornish hen recipe:
- Cornish game hens: Of course, you'll need Cornish game hens.
- Olive oil: Olive oil locks in moisture and gives the salt and pepper something to stick to.
- Herbs and spices: You'll season the outside of the hens with salt and pepper, then stuff the cavities with fresh rosemary. You'll roast garlic alongside the hens.
- Lemon: A quarter of a fresh lemon will also go into the hens' cavities.
- White wine: Make sure you don't choose a wine you wouldn't want to drink. Quality counts!
- Chicken broth: Use store-bought or homemade chicken broth.
How to Cook Cornish Hens Step-By-Step
Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you make Cornish game hens at home:
- Season the hens: Rub the hens with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with rosemary and lemon. Arrange the garlic around it in the roasting pan.
- Roast the hens: Roast, basting often, until the skin is golden brown. Pour a mix of wine, broth, and olive oil over the birds halfway through the roasting process.
- Make the sauce: Transfer pan juices and garlic to a saucepan. Boil until thick.
- Serve: Spoon the sauce over the cooked game hens and garnish with rosemary.
How Long to Cook Cornish Hens
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Depending on their size, these Cornish game hens should be fully cooked after about 25 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. You'll know they're done when the skin is golden brown and the juices run clear, but make sure to check the internal temperature before serving to be safe. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F.
Nicole's Best Cornish Game Hen Tips
"Cornish game hens with garlic and rosemary is the dinner you're going to serve [this holiday season] that won't break the bank, but will impress all your friends," says culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom).
- Even though the recipe doesn't call for extra aromatics, Nicole likes to surround the hens with garlic cloves and lemon wedges. It adds flavor and "makes it pretty," she says.
- When you pour the chicken broth mixture into the baking pan, don't pour it directly over the hens. Instead, pour it around the hens for the crispiest skin.
- Nicole loves serving her Cornish game hens with wild rice. Why? That's the way her mom has always served this dish! Try our Morel Mushroom and Wild Rice Risotto recipe.
What to Serve With Cornish Hens
Since Cornish game hens are just small chickens, you can serve them with pretty much any side you'd pair with your favorite chicken dinner. Check out our collection of 30 Best Side Dishes for Chicken, No Matter How You Cook It for delicious inspiration. Here are a few of the mouthwatering recipes you'll find:
- Buttery Garlic Green Beans
- Simple Broccolini
- Creamy au Gratin Potatoes
How to Store Cornish Hens
Wrap your leftovers tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, you can freeze cooked Cornish game hens for up to three months.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"This is really delicious and we loved all the garlic," raves Melissa B. "I paired it with sweet green bean bundles and the combo of garlic with sweet smoky bacon was out of this world!"
"We chose Pinot Grigio for the wine," says mboyd. "This was surprisingly delicious! The hens were cooked to perfection. We'll be making this again."
"Absolutely delicious," according to christine m. "Quick and easy. Followed exactly. Turned out beautifully. My kids devoured it."
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
