38 Best Sides to Serve with Cornish Hens
Wondering what sides to serve with Cornish hens? You have come to the right place! From classic sides, to vegetable sides, to the best sides for the holidays, here is your complete list of the best side dishes! You’re sure to find something you’ll love to serve with these delectable little birds!
Cornish game hens are such a thing of glory!! They are super easy to make and are a great weeknight meal, but can also be elevated for the holiday season or a fantastic main course for special occasion dinners….with minimal effort!! They are just so versatile!
The tender meat is so juicy and delicious and Cornish hens take WAY less time to cook than a whole chicken or turkey.
Need an EASY Cornish game hen recipe? You have to try my simple recipe for Air Fryer Cornish Hens (pictured above!). You won’t believe how easy and delicious it is!
WHAT IS A CORNISH HEN?
A Cornish hen is just a smaller breed of chicken weighing between 1-2 lbs. The little Cornish hens mature quickly and they typically have large breasts and fatty skin. They can be male or female.
Whole Cornish hens can be found in most local grocery stores in the United States. In Europe, the equivalent is the Indian Game which is a British breed of game chicken.
TIPS FOR COOKING A PERFECT CORNISH HEN
- Keep it simple: Cornish hens are flavorful little birds that just need a little spice. Rub the hens with olive oil and simple spices like sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon zest. Fresh herbs (like fresh thyme and fresh rosemary) are delicious, too!
- Seasoning: Season your hens on the outside AND inside! Make sure you get all the spices into the cavity of each hen for maximum flavor inside and out! I like to throw a lemon slice into the cavity as well!
- Crispy Skin: For crispy skin, be sure to use paper towels to pat down the hens until completely dry before adding seasonings.
- Checking for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of each hen to ensure it’s cooked through. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F. The hens should be golden brown on the outside!
BEST CLASSIC SIDES FOR CORNISH HENS
Mashed Potatoes
There isn’t anything more classic to serve with Cornish hens than these perfect, rich, buttery mashed potatoes!
Roasted Potatoes
Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these roasted potatoes make the perfect, classic side for Cornish hens.
Wild Rice Casserole
Wild rice and Cornish hens are a classic match, but this wild rice casserole adds a little something special!
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This recipe for pan fried Brussel sprouts with bacon and balsamic is easy to make and so delicious!! With just 5 ingredients, it’s a super simple side dish that pairs perfectly with Cornish hens!
Macaroni and Cheese
Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping, this mac and cheese recipe pairs perfectly with your delicious hens.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushroom cooked in garlic butter until golden brown. Pair these with a potato dish for the perfect elegant dinner.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Potatoes are drizzled with a sinful bacon and maple glaze!
Dinner Rolls
Soft dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to a dinner with Cornish hens. You can be brave and make your own, or opt for store bought.
Garlic Bread
This perfect crusty garlic bread is made in the air fryer and could not be easier!
BEST SALAD SIDES
Winter Tossed Salad
This winter salad recipe is tossed with a light citrus vinaigrette and loaded with bacon, cranberries, red onion, toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese.
Panzanella Salad
Panzanella Salad with crusty bread, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, and the best homemade vinaigrette dressing. This would be awesome with Cornish hens in the spring or summer.
Creamy Cole Slaw
This coleslaw is a cinch to make and perfect to serve with hens…especially in the summer!
Corn Salad
Corn and hens go hand and hand. This corn salad is light, fresh and a perfectly refreshing side for Cornish hens.
Simple Arugula Salad
If you are looking for a perfect, light side to serve, this arugula salad will not disappoint. Serve it on it’s own, or add a starch on the side for a well-rounded meal.
BEST VEGETABLE SIDES
Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are mashed with butter, maple syrup, and thyme…yumm!!
Sautéed Kale
Sautéed with bacon, garlic and onions, this kale is a nice hearty veggie to serve with your hens.
Eggplant Parmesan
This Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe is lightened up a bit with baked (instead of fried) panko-crusted roasted eggplant, and layered up with a zesty combination of marinara, cheeses and fresh herbs.
Roasted Asparagus
This oven roasted asparagus recipe is such an easy and delicious spring side dish. The vibrant, crisp-tender spears bake in under 15 minutes!
Roasted Carrots
These air fried carrots are tossed in a sweet and savory glaze that’s a cinch to make. This is a perfect weeknight side dish, but also special enough for your holiday table!
Roasted Broccoli
This air fryer broccoli is a quick and easy side dish with just a few ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch!
Cauliflower Mash
This delicious mashed cauliflower is flavored with garlic and herbs and the perfect low carb side dish!
Green Beans and Tomatoes
This is my absolute favorite holiday dish. You can make it easily in the crockpot too!
BEST APPETIZERS TO GO WITH CORNISH HENS
Deviled Eggs
It’s not a party until you break out the deviled eggs! This classic appetizer is quick and easy. The dry mustard gives this recipe the punch it needs.
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are wrapped in strips of bacon, then brushed with a maple, brown sugar glaze and baked until golden brown.
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Rich, creamy ricotta cheese whipped with fresh herbs and topped with a mixture of fresh tomatoes and basil.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CORNISH HENS FOR EASTER
Creamed Spinach
Made with frozen spinach and heavy cream, this easy yet elegant, yet simple side dish can even be made ahead of time.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice Baked Potatoes are a classic, must-make side dish any time of year, but the just scream EASTER to me!
German Potato Salad
This is a warm potato salad, German-style! Slices of boiled potatoes are tossed in a warm, tangy-sweet bacon vinaigrette.
Orzo Salad
Orzo is tossed with sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and fresh herbs, then dressed with a tangy, lemony dressing. You will LOVE this!!!
Au Gratin Poatatoes
A classic side dish and this recipe is amazing and SO SO easy!!! It’s my go-to!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CORNISH HENS FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER
Cranberry Sauce
Flavored with orange juice and orange zest, this cranberry sauce is a must on your holiday table.
Classic Dressing
The best dressing recipe made with bread, onion, celery, butter, and fresh herbs. Perfect served alongside Cornish hens at your holiday table.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Delicious root vegetables are tossed in olive oil and a few fall spices, then popped into the air fryer for 20 minutes! This side dish couldn’t be easier and it looks gorgeous on a holiday table!
Mushroom Rice
Rice infused with earthy mushrooms and and tossed with caramelized mushrooms makes the PERFECT side dish for your holiday hens!
Fennel and Leek Gratin
Rice infused with earthy mushrooms and and tossed with caramelized mushrooms makes the PERFECT side dish for your holiday hens!
BEST DESSERTS TO GO WITH CORNISH HENS
Baked Apples
These delicious Air Fryer Baked Apples are tossed with lots of cinnamon and caramelized to perfection, then tossed with cinnamon whipped cream!
Peach Crisp
A layer of juicy, fresh peaches are topped with a crunchy topping with oats and pecans. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to finish off your meal!
Chocolate Lava Cake
Chocolate lava cakes with their deliciously rich molten chocolate center come together with 6 simple ingredients. It’s a surprisingly easy dessert that always impresses.
GET MY FREE 7-DAY MEAL PLAN
In a dinner rut? I’ve got a Free Meal Plan with 7 of my most delicious, easy recipes! Sign up for my email list and I’ll send it over now along with weekly dinner recipes!
Hopefully this post has given you some good ideas on great side dishes to serve with Cornish hens! Need a perfect Cornish hen recipe? Start with my Perfect Air Fryer Cornish Hens1
All I need now is someone to come, create, cook, serve, and cleanup the wonderful ideas for the meals.
These recipes all look so delicious! Thanks for this beautiful roundup of side dishes to go with your Cornish Hens Recipe!
Soooo many tasty ideas in this roundup! And your air fryer Cornish game hens look divine – can’t wait to try them!