Cornish Game Hen Recipes for Christmas: Festive Feast for Small Gatherings

Cornish game hens are a delicious and elegant option for a smaller Christmas gathering. These petite birds are easy to cook and offer a sophisticated presentation without the overwhelming size of a whole turkey or chicken. Whether you prefer a classic roast with herbs or a more adventurous flavor profile, this guide will provide you with the perfect Cornish game hen recipes for your Christmas feast.

Simple Yet Elegant: Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Herbs

Roasting Cornish game hens is a simple and foolproof method that allows the natural flavors of the bird to shine. This recipe uses fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to infuse the hens with aromatic goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish game hens, thawed
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels.
3. Place one sprig of rosemary and thyme inside the cavity of each hen.
4. Drizzle the hens with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Place the hens in a roasting pan and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Why is this recipe perfect for Christmas? This classic roast is incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy the festivities. The aroma of herbs filling your kitchen will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs can be substituted, but use about half the amount as fresh herbs. You can also experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano.

Christmas Cornish Game Hen Roasting in Oven

Spice Up Your Christmas: Moroccan Spiced Cornish Game Hens

For those seeking a more adventurous flavor profile, this Moroccan spiced recipe will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon creates a unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish game hens, thawed
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the Cornish game hens.
4. Drizzle the hens with olive oil.
5. Place the hens in a roasting pan and roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

How can I make this dish even more festive? Serve the hens with couscous and dried fruits like apricots and cranberries for a truly Moroccan Christmas experience.

Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preference. You can also omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

Preparing Moroccan Spiced Cornish Game Hen for Christmas Dinner

Citrus Glazed Cornish Game Hens for a Bright Christmas Flavor

This recipe uses a tangy citrus glaze to add a bright and refreshing touch to your Christmas meal. The combination of orange and lemon zest with a hint of honey creates a balanced sweet and savory flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish game hens, thawed
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the Cornish game hens in a roasting pan.
4. Pour the citrus glaze over the hens, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with the glaze every 15 minutes.
6. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Quote from Chef Anya Petrova: “Citrus glazes are fantastic for poultry, especially during the holidays. The brightness cuts through the richness of the meal, offering a refreshing counterpoint.”

Citrus Glazed Cornish Game Hen Ready for Christmas Dinner

Side Dishes to Complement Your Cornish Game Hens

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are all excellent choices to serve alongside your Cornish game hens.

Conclusion

Cornish Game Hen Recipes For Christmas offer a delightful alternative to traditional holiday roasts. Whether you prefer classic herbs, exotic spices, or a bright citrus glaze, these recipes are sure to impress your guests. With their smaller size and ease of preparation, Cornish game hens are the perfect choice for a stress-free and delicious Christmas feast. Try one of these recipes and elevate your holiday meal to new heights.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to cook a Cornish game hen? Generally, Cornish game hens take 45-60 minutes to roast in the oven.
2. What temperature should a Cornish game hen be cooked to? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Can I stuff a Cornish game hen? While you can stuff them, it’s often easier to cook the stuffing separately due to their small size.
4. How many people does one Cornish game hen serve? One Cornish game hen is typically enough for one person.
5. Where can I buy Cornish game hens? They are usually available in the poultry section of most grocery stores, especially around the holidays.
6. Can I freeze cooked Cornish game hens? Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
7. Are Cornish game hens healthy? They are a good source of protein and relatively low in fat.