Making
Cornish Hens
for Small
Thanksgiving Feasts

This holiday season will be more intimate for most households. Instead of a traditional turkey that may be too large for a few dinner guests, downscale your main course with Cornish hens. Resembling mini chickens, Cornish hens are tender, flavorful, and conveniently sized for single servings. Learn more about preparing these tiny birds for an easy, yet elegant feast fit for a few!

What is a Cornish Hen?

Butchered around five weeks old and weighing between one and two pounds, Cornish hens are the smallest of the commercial chicken family. They are a crossbreed of White Rock and Cornish chickens. And, don’t let their name fool you — Cornish hens can be either male or female.

Why We Love Cornish Hens:

• They take the guesswork out of serving sizes; one Cornish hen equals one natural portion. Though it’s a smaller gathering, your dinner guests will feel pampered as they get an entire Cornish hen to themselves.
• They cook quicker than standard chickens due to their small size, easily resulting in perfectly cooked meat and satisfyingly crispy skin.
• Cornish hens are delicate, sweet and notably tender. Since they’re butchered so young, the meat has a soft, fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• These hens are mostly white meat, lean, high in protein, and are excellent sources of niacin, which helps break down carbohydrates, fats and protein into energy.

It’s All in the Technique

Cornish hens are incredibly versatile in both flavor possibilities and preparations. Pick up high-quality Cornish hens from Giant Eagle or Market District, and prepare them for family and friends using one of these simple methods.

Roast: The most preferred preparation, roasting Cornish hens is easy and efficient. Follow our Simple Roasted Cornish Hen with Apple-Sausage Stuffing recipe featuring a sweet-savory stuffing — using one cup of stuffing per hen.

Slow Cook: During the holidays, what’s better than a set-it-and-forget-it cooking technique? Take a break from kitchen duties and slow cook Cornish hens. This application is perfect for incorporating your favorite dry rubs like herbaceous combinations or various Mediterranean spices. Slow cook on low six to seven hours for tender, tasty hens.

Sauté: When in a time crunch, try sautéing Cornish hens in a large pan. Butterfly the birds first to ensure uniform thickness and quick, even cooking. Season the hens as desired, then sauté in olive oil. Cook on both sides and baste with butter or marinade, so the bird remains moist.

Grill: Grilling Cornish hens adds unexpected smoky flavors to your festive table. Experiment with marinades like ginger-soy sauce or maple-apple cider for a seasonal duo. Marinate the butterflied hens overnight, then grill over high heat for about 10 minutes, turning once.

Cornish hens elevate your small gathering with a high sense of luxury. Combine this palate-pleasing entrée with traditional Thanksgiving side dishes for a flavorful new holiday tradition. Find Thanksgiving staples and more tips on downsizing your holiday festivities at your local Giant Eagle or Market District.

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