Cornish Hen

*Gallus gallus domesticus* Poultry/Meat

Cornish Hen Poultry/Meat

At a Glance

  • Category Poultry/Meat

The Forktionary Angle

"The Personal Poultry Perfection: Elevated Dining in a Small Package"

Definition

A small, young broiler chicken, typically weighing 1-2 pounds, known for its tender meat and suitability for individual servings.

Average Weight 1-2 pounds (450-900g)
Cooking Time (roasted approx.) 45-60 min
Internal Doneness Temp (USDA) 165°F (74°C)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cornish Hen are:

Mild succulent savory delicate chicken flavor

Chef’s Secret

Spatchcocking a Cornish hen allows it to cook more evenly and results in crispier skin, making it perfect for grilling or roasting.

Best Substitutes

Small Whole Chicken

if young
Ratio 1:1

Quail

multiple for one hen
Ratio 1:1

Game Hen

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for plump, well-formed hens with no bruising. Often sold frozen, ensure proper thawing.

Recipes Using Cornish Hen

Cuisine Preparation Cuisine Meat

Barbecued Vietnamese 5 Spice Cornish Game Hens

This award-winning recipe, originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1990 by Joyce Jue, delivers succulent, flavorful Cornish game hens with a beautiful char. The Vietnamese 5-spice blend creates a complex aroma, perfectly complemented by the tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce. Impress your guests with this elegant yet surprisingly easy BBQ recipe!

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Occasion Meat Whole Chicken For 1 Or 2

A Couple Of Tipsy Chicks

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These Cornish hens are marinated in a zesty blend of lime, rum, and honey, then slow-roasted to juicy perfection. The sweet and savory marinade creates an unforgettable taste sensation that will have you coming back for more. This easy recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a fun weekend meal!

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Number Of Servings 5 Ingredients Or Less Number Of Servings For 1 Or 2

Alton Brown's Spatchcocked Game Hen

This recipe, inspired by Alton Brown's Thanksgiving show, delivers a juicy, crispy spatchcock game hen perfect for a single serving or a romantic dinner! Say goodbye to boring poultry – this method yields incredibly crunchy skin and tender meat in under 20 minutes. Using a panini press (or even a heavy skillet!), this recipe is quick, easy, and surprisingly impressive. No bricks required! We'll show you how to achieve perfect results with household substitutes.

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Seasonal Time To Make English Low Carb

Baked Cornish Game Hens

Juicy and flavorful baked Cornish game hens, infused with a zesty lemon herb butter. This easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 70 minutes! Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.

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Apples Weeknight 60 Minutes Or Less American

Apple Glazed Cornish Game Hens

Indulge in these succulent Apple Glazed Cornish Game Hens! A Weight Watchers-friendly recipe (7 points per ½ hen & ½ tbsp glaze), this dish boasts a mouthwatering glaze made with apple jelly, apple cider, and fragrant five-spice powder. Perfectly broiled (or grilled) to juicy perfection, these hens are a delightful and healthy meal. Easily substitute with 1 ½ lbs of skinned chicken drumsticks (add 5-10 minutes to cooking time and deduct 2 points per serving). Prepare for a burst of flavor in under an hour!

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Low In Something Asian Low Calorie Low Saturated Fat

Asian Cornish Game Hens

A family heirloom recipe! These juicy Cornish game hens are marinated in a vibrant Asian-inspired sauce of soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic, then baked to perfection. The savory glaze is simply irresistible and pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 90 minutes!

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