Garlic butter Cornish hens with gravy is the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration. It’s simple to prepare but feels luxurious, making it a great choice for holidays, dinner parties, or even a romantic night in.
Cornish hens are the perfect centerpiece for a special dinner. These petite birds are tender, flavorful, and just the right size for individual servings. Slather them with rich garlic butter and homemade gravy, and you’ve got a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or an intimate dinner, garlic butter Cornish hens with gravy will steal the show.
Why Cornish Hens?
Cornish hens are smaller than traditional chickens, making them ideal for individual portions. Their small size means they cook quickly and evenly, and their natural flavor pairs beautifully with butter, garlic, and herbs. It’s a a great option for those of us who like to keep our holiday menus less stressful.
Half a Cornish hen is the perfect individual serving. So we are going to spatchcock (removing the backbone) the bird and then cut the bird in half—this ensures the hens cook evenly, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Cornish Hens
For an elegant presentation, serve each cornish hen half with potatoes, roasted vegetables or Green Bean Casserole and buttery dinner rolls. Drizzle the gravy over the hens and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Dry the skin: Patting the hens dry before roasting helps achieve crispy, golden skin.
- Monitor cooking time: Cornish hens cook faster than larger poultry, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Flavor variations: We love adding spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to the garlic butter for a unique twist.
- Season under the skin: To make sure the bird is extra juicy and tender, we stuff the majority of the garlic butter rub under the skin of the bird- this will ensure all that flavor seeps into the bird.
A Dish to Remember
Garlic butter Cornish hens with gravy is the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration. It’s simple to prepare but feels luxurious, making it a great choice for holidays, dinner parties, or even a romantic night in. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and rich, savory gravy, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ready to try it? Let ya gworl know how it turns out in the comments or tag me in your recreations on Instagram.
