Cornish hens are often perceived as a diminutive breed of chicken, and in many ways, this perception is accurate. A specific type of chicken sometimes referred to as Cornish game hens, these birds are significantly smaller than the average chicken breed. Their lean, tender, and juicy characteristics make them an excellent choice for family gatherings or special occasions. However, deciding on suitable accompaniments can be a daunting task.
One of the greatest strengths of Cornish hens is their versatility, which can lead to an overwhelming array of side dish options. This abundance of choices can make it challenging to select the perfect pairing. Fear not, as we’re here to guide you through this process. In this post, we’ll explore 15 delectable side dishes that complement Cornish hens beautifully.
If you’re seeking inspiration for an exceptional side dish to accompany your Cornish hen, stay tuned!
Mac And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, a comforting classic that never fails to impress. It’s an ideal side dish for large gatherings, as it’s easy to scale up and serves as a satisfying complement to heartier main courses like Cornish hen. The rich, creamy sauce is perfectly balanced by the crispy texture of the cooked pasta, making it a match made in heaven. And let’s not forget its impressive ability to fill bellies – your guests will leave feeling full and content.
Mushroom Risotto
In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering mushroom risotto using only nine essential pantry staples. These ingredients include chicken broth, arborio rice, mushrooms, white wine, butter, and parmesan cheese. While some culinary expertise may be required to achieve perfection, this comforting dish is sure to delight alongside your favorite meat dishes – all year round. And don’t be surprised if your guests come back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!)
Dinner Rolls
When it comes to pairing a Cornish hen with dinner rolls, it may seem like an unconventional choice at first. However, when you consider the juicy nature of this popular poultry dish, the combination starts to make sense. The key is in allowing the fresh dinner rolls to soak up all those savory juices, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste.
When done correctly, the exterior of the roll should be crispy and golden, while the interior remains hot and fluffy – the perfect vessel for absorbing every last bit of that delicious meaty goodness.
Roast Potatoes
Roast potatoes, another crowd-pleasing side dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. These flavorful, crispy, and fluffy spuds pair perfectly with chicken – it’s a match made in heaven. The recipe is straightforward: simply season the potatoes with salt, then coat them in oil or goose fat and a sprinkle of flour for an added crunch. The result is a satisfying side dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Mushroom Rice
While risotto and mushroom rice share some similarities, the latter offers a more straightforward preparation process. Moreover, mushroom rice tends to be less rich and creamy compared to its counterpart. This dish is particularly well-suited as a starchy side dish when served with savory Cornish hens, as it provides a delightful contrast in flavors.
The earthy, hearty, and smooth nature of the mushroom rice is elevated by the sautéed green onions and garlic, which imbue the dish with an added layer of flavor. The cooking process involves simmering the mixture in a flavorful broth infused with parsley, salt, and pepper, resulting in a deliciously well-rounded side dish.
Glazed Carrots
Satisfy your craving for a quick and easy side dish with glazed carrots, a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. This straightforward recipe yields a mouthwatering medley of crunchy sweet carrots that pairs exquisitely with tender chicken. Simply sauté fresh carrots in a mixture of brown sugar and lemon juice to create a delectable treat that’s ready in mere minutes.
Herb And Garlic Mashed Potatoes
While standard mashed potatoes are certainly enjoyable, this herb and garlic mashed potatoes recipe elevates the dish to new heights. The addition of roasted garlic and herbs imbues the mash with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. This creamy, smooth, and rich potato dish is not only impressive in terms of taste but also surprisingly easy to prepare. In fact, anyone can make it by simply mixing their mashed potatoes with the right herbs and spices – no culinary expertise required!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Broccoli
When it comes to quick and delicious side dishes, roast potatoes and broccoli are a winning combination. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – toss your chosen vegetables with oil, herbs, and spices, then pop them into the oven to roast. As they emerge from the heat, you’ll be left with tender, flavorful veggies that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part?
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, making it a great way to coax new flavors from old favorites. So don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own favorite veggies to the mix – this recipe is all about flexibility and creativity.
Brussel Sprouts And Bacon
The star of this show is undoubtedly the Brussels sprout and bacon side dish, specifically ‘crispy pan-fried Brussel sprouts with balsamic and bacon’, a mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress. This festive delight would pair perfectly with a Christmas dinner, as the combination of crispy fried sprouts and smoky bacon creates a truly indulgent experience.
The key to achieving this perfect harmony is in the frying process itself: by cooking the sprouts with bacon, we’re able to achieve a satisfying crunch and infuse them with rich, savory flavors. And let’s not forget the bacon – it adds an undeniable je ne sais quoi that elevates the dish to new heights.
Scalloped Potatoes
When it comes to delectable side dishes, we’re convinced that potatoes are the way to go. While mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, and fries have their own charms, scalloped potatoes stand out as a true crowd-pleaser. The harmonious balance of rich, creamy texture and tender, velvety smoothness is utterly compelling. The topping’s satisfying crunch and the filling’s gentle bubble provide a sensory experience that’s hard to resist.
Happily, this beloved side dish is also surprisingly easy to prepare.
Fresh Salad
For a hassle-free and nutritious accompaniment, consider whipping up a fresh salad to pair with your Cornish hen. This side dish offers the ultimate in simplicity, making it an ideal choice for those adhering to a specific diet. One of the greatest benefits of salads is their adaptability – toss in any leafy greens or vegetables you like, followed by croutons or nuts for added crunch. Don’t forget to craft a revitalizing salad dressing to bring everything together.
Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a quick and easy side dish option that can be elevated with simple additions. A great way to prepare it is by baking it in foil with butter and herbs. This approach allows for a harmonious balance of flavors, particularly when paired with the savory taste of Cornish Hen. For an extra kick, consider adding chili flakes or paprika to give your corn a spicy twist.
Roasted Green Beans
Green beans often take a backseat when it comes to side dishes, but they truly deserve more recognition. These versatile vegetables offer a unique combination of natural sweetness and satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to work with, making them a great addition to any meal. This recipe is a perfect example of just how simple and delicious roasted green beans can be.
With just three basic ingredients – fresh green beans, olive oil, and sea salt – you’ll have a tasty side dish that’s sure to please. Simply combine the ingredients and roast the green beans for a flavorful and healthy option that pairs well with many different dishes.
Onion Rings
Indulging in beer-battered delights is a passion shared by many. The irresistible combination of crunch, sweetness, and addictive flavor makes it easy to see why onion rings are a crowd-pleaser. Not only do they offer a delightful textural contrast, but their golden brown hue and tender interior only add to the allure. And the best part? Onion rings can be seasoned to suit individual tastes, making them a versatile snack that pairs well with an array of dips.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to serving Cornish hens, having a variety of delicious sides to accompany them is crucial. These birds are known for their lean, savory, tender, and juicy nature, making it essential to have a range of options to complement their flavor. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of mouthwatering side dishes to choose from.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.