Cornish Game Hen Recipes: Easy and Delicious Ways to Cook Them

Ah, Cornish game hens. Those adorable little birds, almost like miniature chickens. They're a real treat, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. They cook up quickly and are incredibly versatile! Roast, grill, fry – you name it! They have a wonderfully rich, delicate flavour and the meat is so tender, it just melts in your mouth.

I've been playing around with Cornish game hens for years, and I've picked up some fantastic tips and tricks along the way. Like, the secret to getting that perfectly crispy skin – we’ll get to that later! Today, I'm going to share my favourite recipes, and hopefully, you'll be inspired to give them a go.

We'll start with the basics: how to choose the perfect hen, how to prep them, and then dive into some delicious recipes. I'll even throw in some handy tips and tricks to make sure your Cornish game hens turn out perfectly every time.

(Part 1) Choosing and Prepping Cornish Game Hens

Finding the Perfect Hen

Firstly, you need to find the right Cornish game hen. I always look for ones that are plump and have a nice, golden hue to their skin. Avoid any hens that look dry or have any discolouration. Aim for a weight around 1.5 pounds each; they’re easier to cook and serve.

Speaking of serving, I usually cook one hen per person. Unless you’re hosting a large gathering, of course. In that case, you might need a couple of hens per person to keep everyone satisfied. But generally, one hen per person is a good rule of thumb.

Prepping the Hen

Once you’ve got your hens home, it’s time to prep them. Now, here’s where things get interesting. Some recipes call for brining the hens first. This involves soaking them in a salty water solution, which helps to tenderize the meat and keep it moist. I usually do this for about an hour, but you can even leave them in the brine overnight. Just make sure you pat them dry thoroughly before you cook them.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of brining. It adds a bit of extra time to the process, and I've found that a good marinade can achieve similar results. So, I usually skip the brine and go straight for a marinade. I’ll share a few of my favourites later on.

After brining or marinating, give your hen a good rinse and pat it dry. Then, you can stuff it with herbs, garlic, or lemon slices for added flavour. Just be sure to stuff it loosely so that the stuffing doesn’t prevent the bird from cooking evenly.

(Part 2) Classic Roast Cornish Game Hen

The Recipe

This is the classic way to cook cornish game hens, and it's always a winner. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Give it a good mix.
• Rub this mixture all over the hens, both inside and out. Get those crevices nice and seasoned!
• Place the hens in a roasting pan.
• If you’re feeling fancy, pour in the white wine. It adds a lovely depth of flavour.
• Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Tips and Tricks

• For extra flavour, add a few slices of lemon, a sprig of rosemary, or some garlic cloves to the cavity of the hens.
• To ensure even cooking, tuck the wings behind the hens. This prevents them from burning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This will make sure your hens are cooked to perfection.
• Let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.

(Part 3) grilled cornish Game Hens

The Recipe

Here’s how to give your Cornish game hens a smoky, delicious flavour:

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Rub the mixture all over the hens, inside and out.
• Place the hens on the grill, skin-side down.
• Grill for 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned and crispy. You want those grill marks!
• Flip the hens and grill for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Don’t forget to use your trusty meat thermometer.

Tips and Tricks

• For a smoky flavour, grill over charcoal.
• To prevent sticking, grease the grill grates before placing the hens on them.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This will make sure your hens are cooked to perfection.
• Let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.

(Part 4) Pan-Seared Cornish Game Hens

The Recipe

This is a quick and easy way to cook Cornish game hens, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• Season the hens generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Place the hens in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This is where that nice sear comes in.
• Flip the hens and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Remove the hens from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat.
• Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Stir in the parsley.
• Pour the sauce over the hens and serve immediately. This adds a burst of flavour.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking. This will help the skin to get crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you need to, cook the hens in batches.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This will make sure your hens are cooked to perfection.
• Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

(Part 5) Cornish Game Hens with Lemon and Herbs

The Recipe

This recipe is bursting with fresh flavour and is perfect for a summer dinner. It's light and bright, and the lemon really enhances the taste.

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• Stuff the hens with the lemon slices, parsley, and thyme. This adds a lovely aroma to the hen as it cooks.
• Place the hens in a roasting pan.
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Rub the mixture all over the hens.
• Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Tips and Tricks

• For a more intense citrus flavour, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the olive oil mixture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This will make sure your hens are cooked to perfection.
• Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a green salad.

(Part 6) Cornish Game Hens with Dijon Mustard and Honey

The Recipe

This recipe has a sweet and savoury flavour that is sure to please everyone. The Dijon mustard adds a bit of zing, while the honey provides a touch of sweetness. It's a classic combination for a reason!

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Rub the mixture all over the hens. Be sure to get the inside too, for a flavourful surprise.
• Place the hens in a roasting pan.
• Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Tips and Tricks

• For a more intense mustard flavour, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cavity of the hens before roasting.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy risotto.

(Part 7) Cornish Game Hens with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

The Recipe

This recipe is perfect for a special occasion. It’s rich and decadent, and the creamy mushroom sauce is simply divine. It’s a flavour combination that’s hard to resist.

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• Season the hens with salt and pepper.
• Place the hens in a roasting pan.
• Roast for 30 minutes.
• While the hens are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the mushrooms and onion to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
• Pour in the white wine and cook for 1 minute, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
• Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. You want it to coat the back of a spoon nicely.
• Stir in the parsley.
• Pour the sauce over the hens and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Tips and Tricks

• For a more intense mushroom flavour, use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a hint of warmth.
• Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or wild rice.

(Part 8) Cornish Game Hens with Cranberry Sauce

The Recipe

This recipe is perfect for the holidays. It’s festive and delicious, and the cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness. It’s a classic pairing that always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• Season the hens with salt and pepper.
• Place the hens in a roasting pan.
• Roast for 30 minutes.
• While the hens are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Pour in the white wine and cook for 1 minute, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
• Stir in the cranberry sauce, chicken broth, and parsley.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Pour the sauce over the hens and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Tips and Tricks

• You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or make your own. There are some fantastic homemade cranberry sauce recipes out there.
• Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy flavour. It adds a lovely brightness to the cranberry sauce.
• Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or stuffing.

(Part 9) Cornish Game Hens with a Mediterranean Twist

The Recipe

This recipe is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavours. It’s light and refreshing, and perfect for a summer dinner. The herbs and olives really give it a distinct flavour profile.

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup pitted olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup white wine

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• Season the hens with salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, combine the oregano, basil, parsley, red onion, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Stuff the hens with the herb mixture.
• Place the hens in a roasting pan.
• Pour the white wine into the bottom of the pan. This will help to create a lovely sauce as the hen cooks.
• Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Tips and Tricks

• For a more intense Mediterranean flavour, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the white wine before pouring it into the pan.
• Serve with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables.

(Part 10) Cornish Game Hens with a Spicy Asian Glaze

The Recipe

This recipe is a fusion of Asian flavours, with a touch of heat. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The spicy glaze adds a real kick, and the sesame oil adds a nutty flavour.

• 2 Cornish game hens
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
• Rub the mixture all over the hens.
• Place the hens in a roasting pan.
• Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Tips and Tricks

• For a more intense flavour, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the glaze. It adds a lovely depth and complexity to the glaze.
• Serve with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

(Part 11) Tips for Crispy Skin

Right, let’s talk about crispy skin. It’s all about moisture. You need to keep the skin dry, and you need to cook it at a high enough temperature to get that lovely golden brown colour. Here are a few tips to help you achieve crispy skin:

• Pat the hens dry with paper towels before cooking. This will remove any excess moisture.
• Roast the hens on a rack, rather than directly on the pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the bird and get the skin extra crispy.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This will make sure your hens are cooked to perfection without overcooking the skin.

(Part 12) Serving Cornish Game Hens

Cornish game hens are so versatile, you can serve them with a wide range of sides. Here are a few ideas:

side dishes

You can also serve Cornish game hens with a variety of sauces. Here are a few ideas:

Sauces

• Creamy mushroom sauce: Rich and earthy, perfect for a decadent meal.
• Cranberry sauce: Sweet and tart, a festive and classic pairing.
• Lemon herb sauce: Bright and citrusy, perfect for lighter flavours.
• Dijon mustard and honey sauce: Sweet and tangy, a unique and flavourful combination.
• Spicy Asian glaze: A bold and flavourful glaze, perfect for a touch of heat.

(Part 13) FAQs

What is a Cornish game hen?

A Cornish game hen is a cross between a Cornish chicken and a White Rock chicken. It’s a small, tender bird, usually weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. They're known for their delicate flavour and tender meat.

How long does it take to cook a Cornish game hen?

The cooking time for a Cornish game hen depends on the cooking method. It typically takes 45-50 minutes to roast a Cornish game hen. However, grilling or pan-searing may take a little less time.

What is the best way to cook a Cornish game hen?

There are many different ways to cook a Cornish game hen, but roasting is the most traditional and popular method. It allows for even cooking and a crispy skin. You can also grill, fry, or pan-sear Cornish game hens, depending on your preference.

What should I serve with a Cornish game hen?

You can serve Cornish game hens with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green salad, couscous, wild rice, stuffing, or risotto. You can also serve them with a variety of sauces, such as creamy mushroom sauce, cranberry sauce, lemon herb sauce, Dijon mustard and honey sauce, or spicy Asian glaze.

What are some tips for making sure the skin is crispy?

To make sure the skin is crispy, pat the hens dry with paper towels before cooking. Roast the hens on a rack, rather than directly on the pan. And use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to make sure your hens are cooked to perfection without overcooking the skin.