If you’re looking to elevate your meal with Cornish hens, consider serving them alongside a variety of delectable side dishes. With their tender meat and mild flavor, these small birds are perfect for pairing with an array of flavors. One of the biggest advantages of cooking Cornish hens is that they cook quickly, making it easy to prepare a stress-free meal. Plus, their refined demeanor makes them a great choice for special occasions.
Here, we’ve curated 23 mouth-watering side dishes that will complement your Cornish hen perfectly, from classic roasted red potatoes to more adventurous options like herbed lemon brown rice and parmesan butternut squash gratin. With so many delicious choices, you’re sure to find the perfect combination to make your meal truly unforgettable.
Mushroom Rice
Rice is a versatile companion to savory dishes, acting as a harmonizing force that elevates the flavors of the main course. When paired with mushrooms, the earthy essence of the fungi subtly complements the richness of the chicken, striking a perfect balance between bold and subtle notes. As a filling for roasted Cornish hens or served as a standalone side dish, Mushroom Rice is sure to impress, whether you’re looking for a satisfying accompaniment or a hearty centerpiece.
Roasted Red Potatoes
When paired with roasted meats, potatoes prove to be one of the most versatile vegetables in the culinary world. The harmonious combination of crispy skin, tender flesh, and aromatic spice blends creates a truly indulgent experience. This union is so natural that it’s no surprise to find potatoes and chicken are often inseparable on the plate. For more mouthwatering red potato recipes, explore our extensive collection!
Lemon Garlic Pasta
What sets this pasta apart from others is its harmonious balance of flavors. When paired with a meal, it shines with its rich, buttery, and citrusy undertones. The addition of olive oil, butter, and cream to the lemon parmesan only enhances its delicate and zesty profile, which beautifully complements the mild flavor of Cornish hen. Despite its unassuming nature, this Lemon Garlic Pasta is a revelation, boasting an addictive taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
Creamy Coleslaw
When paired with any meat, a creamy coleslaw offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Its tangy, vinegar-infused taste cuts through the richness of even the most indulgent proteins, making it an ideal accompaniment to fatty, smoke-cured meats that might otherwise overwhelm the palate. The crunchy slaw also provides a refreshing respite from the bold, savory notes of these hearty options, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Dinner Rolls
Savory flavors abound when indulging in the tender, juicy flesh of grilled Cornish hens. The succulent meat is indeed worthy of being savored and relished. To elevate this culinary experience to new heights, consider serving it alongside fluffy Dinner Rolls that perfectly soak up every last drop of that delectable juice. As you take a bite, allow yourself to be transported by the heavenly aroma and taste that comes from combining the rich flavors of the hen with the softness of the bread.
Glazed Carrots
Harmonizing the savory notes of Cornish hens with the natural sweetness of Glazed Carrots creates a match made in culinary heaven. The crunch of the carrots provides a delightful contrast to the tender chicken, while their glazed exterior adds a satisfying textural element. Furthermore, the sweet and savory flavors meld together seamlessly, resulting in an unforgettable taste experience that’s hard to surpass.
Garden Salad
When it comes to pairing with your meat, a salad is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of your dish, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare! A garden-fresh salad, in particular, is a match made in heaven for Cornish hens. The crunch and lightness of the greens, combined with the vibrant flavors of your favorite vegetables, create a harmonious balance that complements the hen’s rich flavor perfectly.
Baked Mac & Cheese
Savoring a satisfying meal without any fuss? This delectable Mac & Cheese recipe is the perfect solution. When paired with the savory flavor of Cornish hens, the creamy macaroni and rich cheese come together in perfect harmony. It’s an unbeatable combination that will leave your taste buds and tummy thoroughly delighted!
Scalloped Potatoes
Potatoes are often the unsung heroes of side dishes, but they truly shine in this Scalloped Potatoes recipe. The harmonious combination of thinly sliced spuds and a luscious milk-based sauce, punctuated with just the right amount of salt and pepper, creates a culinary experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Just as Cornish hens are renowned for their rich, delicate flavor and endearing appearance, scalloped potatoes share similar qualities – they’re a true delight!
Crispy Onion Rings
When it comes to starting your meal with Cornish chicken for dinner, this sweet onion recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! The combination of sweet onions enveloped in a fragrant and flavorful batter, then fried to a crispy golden brown, is a match made in heaven. To ensure the best experience, consider letting them cool slightly before serving, allowing you to fully appreciate the satisfying crunch and tender interior.
Cranberry Sauce
The harmonious union of Cornish hens and cranberries is a match made in culinary heaven. The warm, earthy essence of cinnamon beautifully complements the vibrant flavor of orange juice, tempering the natural tartness of the cranberries. When indulging in this delectable sauce with roasted meat, it’s essential to savor each bite, allowing the rich flavors to meld together and transport your taste buds on a delightful journey.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Experience the unbridled delight of roasted Brussels sprouts, whose harmonious blend of earthy, sweet, and nutty notes elevates them to unparalleled status as a versatile vegetable side dish. When paired with protein-rich options, this culinary masterpiece unfolds into a sumptuous meal that is both refined and satisfyingly complete.
Sauteed Mushroom
Indulge in the unparalleled delight of garlic butter sautéed mushrooms as they transform into a golden brown masterpiece. The moment you take a bite, the rich flavors will leave you speechless! What’s more, the harmonious pairing between Cornish hens and these succulent mushrooms is undeniable. The mushroom’s unique spongy texture and deep umami flavor profile create a match made in heaven, elevating the dish to new heights.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom Risotto’s velvety smoothness and robust flavor profile make it an ideal pairing for Cornish hen. The dish’s appeal lies not only in its rich, earthy undertones but also in the satisfying chew of the mushrooms themselves. It’s a culinary experience that is nothing short of indulgent and decadent.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The humble sweet potato has taken center stage in the pursuit of wholesome indulgence. When paired with the succulent and savory Cornish hen, this dynamic duo is elevated to new heights. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the bird provide a delightful textural contrast to the natural sweetness of the sweet potato, which skillfully balances out its meaty flavor while adding a satisfying crunch.
Herbed Lemon Brown Rice
Opting for brown rice as the accompaniment to your Cornish hen is an excellent decision. The synergy between the nutty flavor of the brown rice and the citrusy, minty undertones from the lemon and thyme mixture creates a harmonious union that not only complements but elevates the dish as a whole, allowing the delicate flavors of the fowl to shine.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Indulging in a rich and creamy sweet potato mash-up alongside a savory chicken dish is a culinary experience unlike any other. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shines through, creating a harmonious balance with the bold flavors of the accompanying chicken. Each bite transports you to a state of pure delight, as the velvety texture melts effortlessly in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin
Indulge in a delightful side dish with this rich Butternut Squash Gratin, featuring toasted panko breadcrumbs and creamy parmesan cheese atop roasted squash rings. The harmonious blend of cheesy goodness and inviting aroma is sure to tempt you into serving it alongside your favorite meat dishes. For those looking to preserve their bounty of butternut squash, CookingChew.com offers expert tips on freezing this versatile ingredient, perfect for a quick and easy meal any time.
Oven Roasted Corn On The Cob
This delectable dish boasts an unparalleled flavor profile, where rich garlic and buttery notes harmonize with the bold essence of Creole seasoning. The result is a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly elevates the tender, juicy Cornish chicken without overpowering its inherent sweetness. Beyond the conventional cooking methods for corn – grilling, boiling, or microwaving – this versatile recipe also allows you to craft a zesty salsa using the kernels themselves.
This delightful condiment perfectly complements the succulent Cornish hen, making it an ideal accompaniment to this mouthwatering meal.
Mustard Cream Sauce
This versatile velvety mustard sauce is a masterstroke when paired with a variety of ingredients such as fish, ham, chicken, and vegetables. What’s more, it only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it an excellent addition to any meal. The tanginess of the sour Dijon mustard is expertly balanced by the richness of the heavy cream, resulting in a delightful flavor profile.
To elevate your Cornish hen into a sophisticated and visually appealing main course, simply drizzle this sauce over the top for an added layer of sophistication.
Corn Pudding
Savoring the perfect harmony of flavors, Corn Pudding brings balance to a delectable dinner. The sweet and savory custard, infused with corn sweetness, beautifully complements the saltiness of Cornish hen. As a Southern delicacy, Corn Pudding takes this pairing to new heights, adding an undeniable charm to the culinary experience.
Sauteéd Kale With Garlic
Combine your main course with a nutritious serving of kale greens for a match made in heaven. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 15 minutes to spare, you can whip up a stunning side dish that complements your Cornish hen recipe perfectly. The robust flavor of kale pairs beautifully with the pungency of garlic, creating a winning combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Maple Bourbon Glaze
When it comes to elevating the flavor of roasted and grilled foods, one effective approach is to add a glaze. And what better way to do so than with a Bourbon Glaze for Cornish hens? The combination of sweet and spicy notes from the maple syrup adds an extra layer of complexity to this glaze. Whiskey and bourbon, with their bold flavors, are ideal choices for crafting sauces or glazes that pair perfectly with protein-rich dishes like Cornish hens.
The bottom line
Cornish hens are renowned for their intense flavor, making them an excellent match for a diverse range of accompaniments. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a classic combination or looking to try something new, the options are endless.
With 23 mouth-watering choices at your fingertips, selecting the perfect side dish to accompany your Cornish hens has never been easier.
So go ahead, take a culinary leap of faith, and discover the perfect pairing that elevates this delightful dish to new heights!
