What to Serve with Cornish Game Hens? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Cornish game hens are like little dinner-time showstoppers. They’re fancy enough to impress your friends but easy to cook. We’ve tried plating them up for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions.

Sometimes, we just want to stack our plates high with fun, tasty sides to go with those birds. Finding the right partners can make all the difference! No one wants to sit down to a plate of lonely hens, right?

We’ve experimented with all kinds of sides, and some just hit the spot. So, here are our top picks that’ll make your Cornish game hens the star of the show! Let’s get cooking and make those little birds shine!

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Cornish Game Hens?

Cornish hens are a healthier option than regular chicken.

They are rich in protein and contain lesser fat and carbs.

So, you have plenty of side dish options to serve as a healthy companion.

Plus, Cornish hens taste best after 4 to 5 weeks.

You don’t want them to mature fully if you want that specific lean and low-fat meat.

And when you cook and serve them, they are just the appropriate size for one person.

Because of this, they make a great main dish to have alongside other tasty sides.

With the right amount of serving combined with a salad or homemade sauce, you can take it to the next level in taste and nutrition.

What to Serve with Cornish Game Hens? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Cornish hens taste superb with any side dish, from baked potatoes to a simple salsa.

Check out 7 of our favorite picks below.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Italian Seasoning

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicacy by themselves.

And when you add a hint of Italian seasoning, it takes the flavor to another level.

When you combine them with Cornish hens, you hit the jackpot.

The roasted taters’ crunchy texture and soft interior with the juicy and tender chicken make for a delicious meal.

Plus, it is a blend of sweet and savory flavors, which creates a balance between the two plates.

If you want a simple side dish, roasted sweet potatoes are an excellent option for your next dinner party.

Here’s an interesting recipe you can try at home.

2. Garlic Bread

We want to keep everything simple here.

And it doesn’t get much simpler with garlic bread as a side dish with Cornish chicken.

If your chicken is missing that buttery flavor, the garlic bread can make up for that.

You also get that earthy and pleasingly strong garlic smell which pairs well with savory dishes like Cornish chicken.

You can also smear some mayonnaise on your bread for a cool and refreshing kick.

But if you want the flavor of the chicken to come out on top, have it as it is.

3. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

How about adding some crunchy greens to your meal? If that’s what you want, we recommend toasted Brussel sprouts.

You can lightly toast them with a touch of olive oil, chili flakes, and sesame seeds.

They add a crunchy and earthy flavor.

Combine that with roasted or baked Cornish hen, and it gets better.

You can also chop these toasted greens and mix them with carrots and peas for a lovely salad.

It is a simple yet delicious and nutritious option as well.

Brussel sprouts contain essential nutrients and antioxidants.

They will not overpower your main dish and create a perfect harmony of flavors.

4. Mushroom Risotto

If simplicity is not your option, how about something a little fancy? In that case, creamy mushroom risotto is the perfect side dish option.

Risotto is an excellent comfort meal. And other than those gourmet recipes online, you can prepare simpler ones.

You only need risotto rice, parmesan cheese, and your favorite mushrooms.

Since these ingredients are not overwhelming, they go well with Cornish hens.

Although, you’re going to spend a little extra time and effort preparing that perfect creamy risotto.

But we all know you don’t want to compromise on good food.

5. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese have always accompanied chicken dishes on many occasions.

And it is only fitting that we recommend it with Cornish hens.

This creamy and sour side dish combined with the tender medium-sized chickens will have every person lip-smacking at the table.

You can also add a bit of crunch by topping it with shredded bacon or peas.

Plus, you get that blend of savory and sweet goodness and nutritional benefits.

Mac and cheese are easy to prepare as well.

You won’t have to spend a long time waiting to dig into your delicious plate.

There are several ways you can prepare mac and cheese.

6. Corn Pudding

How about adding a bit of Southern touch to your Thanksgiving meal? Yes, we’re talking about corn pudding.

Corn pudding is primarily a sweet dish like custard. This creates a contrast in flavors between the two.

But who says sweet and tangy don’t go well together?

And if you want, you can also harmonize the two by adding chopped onions, thyme leaves, or crispy bacon.

This gives the sweet pudding a spicy edge, which goes well with the well-seasoned Cornish chicken you have lying in your oven.

Who knew uniting dishes from two different regions would taste this good? Be sure to give this one a try.

7. Naan Bread

You can get a little creative and add a bit of Asian flair to your dishes.

Just serve simple naan bread for a filling meal.

The great thing about naan is that you can experiment with various styles.

You can cut the Cornish chicken into bite-size pieces roll them up with cabbage and mayonnaise for a delicious roll.

Or enjoy them as they are. Smearing a layer of butter or dipping them in a homemade salsa or sauce also elevates the taste.

Plus, naan bread doesn’t add much in terms of flavor.

So, you can enjoy your Cornish chicken wholeheartedly.