Take it easy on yourself—Thanksgiving doesn’t always have to mean turkey. A roasted Cornish game hen is a simple, satisfying alternative that still feels festive without the fuss of a 20-pound bird.
Game hens are moist, flavorful, and quick to prepare. They roast in under an hour (not counting brining), take up far less space in the pot if you do brine, and leave behind manageable leftovers. That means more time for cheesecakes, pies, and enjoying the holiday itself.
A quick lesson: Cornish game hens are chickens harvested younger than typical roasting birds. They’re tender, with less fat and dark meat, and deliver an eye-catching presentation that won’t leave your table missing a beat. Because of their petite size, plating a whole hen or a neatly halved portion feels elegant, almost like dining at a fine restaurant—yet it’s entirely achievable in a home kitchen.
One bird satisfies a hearty appetite—even a teenager’s. Or spatchcock the hen and serve halves; two hens can easily feed four when paired with classic sides. Game hens also absorb marinades beautifully, so you can experiment with citrus, garlic, or fresh herbs to create subtle flavor variations without complicating the process.
Preparation is refreshingly simple. Season the cavity with salt, pepper, and a wedge of apple or onion. Pat the bird dry, rub it with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and roast until it reaches temperature. For extra ease, slide a tray of carrots, potatoes, or onions into the oven alongside—it all cooks in the same hour.
This holiday, trade hours in the kitchen for a crisp, golden hen, a table full of vibrant sides, and more time with the people who make the day meaningful.
Saucing the Game Hen
My go-to is an old-fashioned pan gravy: whisk a roux, stir in broth, splash in brandy, maybe apple cider, then finish with Montreal Steak Seasoning and fresh thyme. There’s no strict recipe—it’s endlessly adaptable.
For adventurous palates, experiment with:
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Game hens with pancetta, juniper berries, and vermouth
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Game hens with apricot, date, and pistachio haroseth (perfect at Christmas too)
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Game hens with curried pear and shallots
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Game hens with forest mushrooms and apples in a huckleberry-Marsala sauce
Pair with a Grand Cru Beaujolais for reds or a local Viognier from Cinder Wines for whites.
When the gathering is small, game hens get the job done beautifully.
Happy Holidays from my family to yours.
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