What Goes Well With Cornish Game Hens

Cornish game hens pair beautifully with roasted root vegetables, wild rice pilaf, or a simple side of sauteed green beans.

Planning a special meal? You might be wondering what goes well with cornish game hens. These little birds offer a delightful dining experience, but finding the right sides can enhance the flavor. The rich, delicate taste of the hens allows for great pairings. Consider some earthy options to complete your plate.

What Goes Well with Cornish Game Hens: A Culinary Adventure

Cornish game hens are like little, delicious canvases just waiting for amazing flavors to be painted on them. These small birds, with their delicate meat, are perfect for a special meal, but figuring out what to serve alongside them can sometimes be a puzzle. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you plan the most fantastic feast! We’ll dive deep into all the yummy sides, sauces, and even drinks that pair perfectly with these delightful poultry.

Flavorful Stuffings for Cornish Game Hens

One of the most exciting things about cooking Cornish game hens is that you can stuff them with incredible goodies. The stuffing not only adds flavor to the hen itself, but also makes for a delightful bite. Here are some popular and tasty stuffing ideas:

Classic Herb Stuffing

This is a favorite for a reason! It’s simple, comforting, and tastes amazing with the mild flavor of Cornish game hen. Think of a mixture of bread cubes, celery, onions, butter, and plenty of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Bread: Use stale bread cubes, like from a loaf of sourdough or French bread.
Vegetables: Finely chop celery and onion for a mild flavor.
Herbs: A mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary is a classic combination, but feel free to use your favorites!
Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth to moisten the stuffing.

Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing

If you want something a little more festive, try a wild rice and cranberry stuffing. The nutty flavor of wild rice, combined with the sweet and tart cranberries, creates a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. Add some pecans or walnuts for extra crunch!

Wild Rice: Cook the wild rice according to package directions until tender.
Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for sweetness and a little chewiness.
Nuts: Add pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
Aromatics: Sauté some onion and garlic before mixing with other ingredients.

Mushroom and Spinach Stuffing

For a more earthy and savory stuffing, try mushrooms and spinach. This is a great option if you’re looking for something a little different and packed with nutrients. Sauté the mushrooms and spinach with garlic and herbs, then mix it with breadcrumbs and a bit of cheese for a delightful stuffing.

Mushrooms: Use your favorite mushrooms, like cremini, white button, or shiitake.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice color and extra vitamins.
Garlic: Sauté garlic with the mushrooms for great flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or herbed breadcrumbs as a base.
Cheese: Parmesan or Gruyere cheese adds flavor and richness.

Fruit and Nut Stuffing

This is a sweeter, more adventurous option. Apples, dried apricots, and toasted nuts like almonds create a delightful stuffing that’s both sweet and savory. Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Fruit: Use diced apples and dried apricots.
Nuts: Toast some almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Bread: Include bread cubes or use rice as the base.

Delicious Side Dishes for Cornish Game Hens

The side dishes are just as important as the main course. They complete the meal and add variety to your plate. Here are some fantastic side dishes that go perfectly with Cornish game hens:

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a simple and healthy way to add color and flavor to your meal. They get slightly sweet and caramelized in the oven, making them a delightful complement to the savory hens. Choose seasonal vegetables for the best flavors.

Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and parsnips are great choices.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are also delicious when roasted.
Seasoning: Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Roasting: Roast in a hot oven until tender and slightly browned.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for any poultry, and Cornish game hens are no exception. The creamy, comforting texture of mashed potatoes is a perfect contrast to the delicate meat of the hens.

Potatoes: Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work well.
Dairy: Use milk, cream, and butter for extra creaminess.
Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder or herbs.
Texture: Use a potato ricer for smooth mashed potatoes or mash by hand for chunkier texture.

Herbed Rice Pilaf

A flavorful rice pilaf is another excellent option. The aromatic herbs and fluffy rice create a lovely side dish that soaks up all the delicious juices from the hens. Use basmati rice for a light and delicate option.

Rice: Use basmati or long-grain rice.
Broth: Cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
Herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary.
Aromatics: Sauté some onions or shallots before adding the rice.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a quick, easy, and elegant side dish that pairs well with Cornish game hens. The tender-crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a delicious and healthy addition to your meal. Drizzle with a bit of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Asparagus: Choose fresh, firm asparagus spears.
Oil and Seasoning: Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus for a zesty touch.
Roasting: Roast until tender-crisp and slightly browned.

Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A fresh green salad is a light and refreshing option that helps balance the richness of the Cornish game hens. A simple vinaigrette dressing is all you need to create a vibrant and healthy side dish.

Greens: Use a mix of your favorite greens, like lettuce, spinach, or arugula.
Vegetables: Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Dressing: Make a vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
Extras: Add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Quinoa Salad

For a nutritious and hearty side, a quinoa salad is a perfect match. You can add a variety of ingredients like roasted vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful vinaigrette to make a really satisfying salad.

Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
Vegetables: Add chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, or roasted vegetables.
Herbs: Use fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro.
Dressing: Dress with a lemon or balsamic vinaigrette.
Additions: Mix in feta cheese, dried cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Butternut Squash Risotto

If you’re looking for something truly special, a creamy butternut squash risotto is a fantastic choice. The sweet and nutty flavors of the butternut squash complement the Cornish game hens wonderfully, and the risotto is both comforting and elegant.

Squash: Roast or puree butternut squash until tender.
Rice: Use Arborio rice for a creamy risotto.
Broth: Use warm chicken or vegetable broth.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must.
Aromatics: Start with shallots and garlic sautéed in butter.

Delicious Sauces to Drizzle Over Cornish Game Hens

A great sauce can add another layer of flavor and moisture to your Cornish game hens. Here are some sauces that are sure to make your hens shine:

Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

This is a simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce that’s perfect for basting or drizzling over the hens. The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs creates a rich and aromatic sauce that enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Butter: Use unsalted butter.
Garlic: Use minced fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Herbs: Use fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
Lemon: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

Lemon Herb Pan Sauce

This light and bright sauce is made using the pan drippings from cooking the hens, which means it’s full of flavor. The lemon and herbs add a fresh and zesty element that cuts through the richness of the meat.

Pan Drippings: Use the flavorful drippings from cooking the hens.
Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Herbs: Use fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
White Wine: You can add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Mushroom Cream Sauce

A creamy mushroom sauce is a decadent option that pairs beautifully with Cornish game hens. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms combined with the richness of the cream creates a truly luxurious sauce.

Mushrooms: Use a mix of your favorite mushrooms like cremini, button, or shiitake.
Cream: Use heavy cream for a rich and decadent sauce.
Aromatics: Sauté shallots or onions with garlic for the base.
White Wine: Add a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
Herbs: Add thyme, parsley, or a mix of your favorites.

Cranberry Sauce

A homemade cranberry sauce, with its sweet and tart flavors, is a perfect complement to Cornish game hens, especially during the holidays. It adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the meal.

Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries.
Sugar: Add sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice or zest adds flavor.
Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.

Honey Mustard Glaze

For a sticky and sweet glaze, a honey mustard mixture is a wonderful choice. It caramelizes on the hens, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust. It’s easy to make and adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

Honey: Use your favorite honey for the base.
Mustard: Use Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
Soy Sauce: A little soy sauce will add depth of flavor.
Garlic: Add minced garlic for extra taste.
Optional: Add a dash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Drinks That Pair Well with Cornish Game Hens

The right drink can complement your meal and help you really enjoy all the flavors. Here are some drink ideas that go well with Cornish game hens:

White Wine

A light-bodied white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay, is a classic choice with poultry. The acidity and fruity notes of these wines cut through the richness of the chicken and cleanse the palate.

Light-Bodied Red Wine

If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais is a great choice. These wines have enough flavor to complement the hens without overpowering them.

Sparkling Wine or Champagne

For a special occasion, sparkling wine or champagne is a festive option. The bubbles add a touch of elegance and the acidity cuts through the richness of the hens.

Iced Tea

A refreshing iced tea is a great non-alcoholic choice, especially if you are serving a meal during warm weather. You can add lemon or herbs to add extra flavor.

Lemonade

A classic lemonade is always a crowd-pleaser. The tartness of the lemon is a wonderful counterpoint to the savory flavors of the meal.

Sparkling Cider

A sparkling cider is a festive non-alcoholic option that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Its sweetness complements the meal without being overpowering.

Craft Beer

If you are a beer lover, certain craft beers can also pair well with Cornish game hens. Try a light-bodied ale or a crisp pilsner to complement the flavors of your meal. A wheat beer can also be a good choice if the meal has a citrus component.

Choosing the perfect pairings for Cornish game hens can be a fun culinary adventure. Whether you decide on a classic herb stuffing, a simple roasted vegetable side, or an exciting mushroom cream sauce, there are so many combinations you can make. With these ideas, you’re sure to create a meal that is both delightful and memorable.

Tom Colicchio's Stuffed Cornish Hen Recipe – Martha Stewart

Final Thoughts

Roasted root vegetables like carrots and potatoes complement the savory game hen beautifully. Stuffing with wild rice or herbs adds great flavor and texture. A simple pan sauce made with wine and butter is also a good choice.

Fresh salads with light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast. Creamy polenta or mashed potatoes make excellent sides. Ultimately, what goes well with cornish game hens depends on your taste.