5 Delicious Cornsh Game Hen Recipes for Dinner

When it comes to cooking a special dinner that impresses your guests with both flavor and presentation, Cornish game hens are an excellent choice. These small birds offer the perfect portion size for an individual serving, making them ideal for elegant dinner parties or intimate meals. Let's explore five delicious recipes that will elevate your culinary skills and delight your palate.

Recipe 1: Lemon and Rosemary Cornish Game Hens

Start with the classic combination of lemon and rosemary to bring out the delicate flavors of the Cornish hens.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cornish game hens
• 4 lemons
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 4 cloves of garlic
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the hens inside and out with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each hen with a lemon half, a sprig of rosemary, and a clove of garlic.
4. Tie the legs together with kitchen string to keep the shape during roasting.
5. Place hens in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

💡 Note: Using fresh rosemary and fresh lemons enhances the aroma and taste significantly.

Recipe 2: Honey Glazed Cornish Hens

For a sweet and savory twist, try this honey-glazed Cornish hen recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cornish game hens
• ¹⁄₂ cup honey
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Lemon zest and juice

Preparation:

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lemon zest, and juice for the glaze.
2. Rub hens with half of the glaze mixture, inside and out.
3. Roast at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
4. Baste hens with remaining glaze and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes or until done.
5. Allow to rest before carving.

Recipe 3: Moroccan Spiced Cornish Hens

Infuse your dinner with the rich spices of Morocco for an exotic flair.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cornish game hens
• Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, and allspice
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil

Preparation:

1. Combine all the spices in a bowl to make a dry rub.
2. Coat the hens thoroughly with the spice mixture.
3. Place in a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour.
4. Baste occasionally with the pan juices.
5. Serve with couscous or roasted vegetables.

Recipe 4: Herb and Butter Stuffed Cornish Game Hens

Create a comforting dish with a rich, buttery stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cornish game hens
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage, chopped
• Bread crumbs
• Onion, finely chopped
• Chicken broth

Preparation:

1. Mix butter with herbs, bread crumbs, onion, and broth to make the stuffing.
2. Stuff the hens with this mixture.
3. Season the outside with salt and pepper, then roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Baste with the juices during cooking to keep the birds moist.

Recipe 5: Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Citrus Marinade

Grill your hens for a smoky, char-grilled flavor with a refreshing citrus twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cornish game hens, split in half
• Oranges, lemons, and limes
• Honey
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Fresh thyme and rosemary

Preparation:

1. Juice the oranges, lemons, and limes, then mix with honey, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a marinade.
2. Marinate the hens for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Grill on medium heat until cooked, brushing with marinade occasionally.

🍗 Note: Grilling over indirect heat ensures the hens cook evenly without burning.

These recipes showcase the versatility of Cornish game hens, offering a range of flavors from the comforting and traditional to the exotic and adventurous. They're perfect for any dinner occasion where you want to serve something a little out of the ordinary, yet still accessible to cook. Whether you're looking to impress your guests with a fancy meal or just want to treat yourself to something special, these Cornish game hen recipes are sure to deliver a delicious dining experience.