Cornish Hens are a delicious and elegant meal option that can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a delightful change of pace from the usual poultry dishes.

These small, tender birds are full of flavor and pair well with a variety of side dishes.

We've curated a list of 16 amazing sides that complement Cornish Hens perfectly, creating a well-rounded and memorable meal.

Let's explore these fantastic options that are sure to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with Cornish Hens are wild rice pilaf, butternut squash, brown rice and vegetables, baby potatoes, blooming onion, roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, sautéed mushrooms, herbed couscous, creamed spinach, and sweet potato casserole.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Rice Pilaf
2. Butternut Squash
3. Brown Rice and Vegetables
4. Baby Potatoes
5. Blooming Onion
6. Roasted Root Vegetables
7. Mashed Potatoes
8. Green Beans
9. Sautéed Mushrooms
10. Herbed Couscous
11. Honey Glazed Carrots
12. Warm Quinoa Salad
13. Polenta
14. Grilled Vegetable Medley
15. Sweet Potato Casserole
16. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
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What To Serve With Cornish Hens

1. Rice Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf is a flavorful and hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with Cornish Game Hens. The nutty, earthy flavors of the wild rice, combined with aromatic herbs and vegetables, create a delicious accompaniment to the tender, juicy meat, resulting in a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

2. Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash is a healthy and delicious side dish that complements cornish hen beautifully. The air fryer method creates a crispy exterior and tender interior, while the natural sweetness of the squash adds a delightful contrast to the savory hens.

3. Brown Rice and Vegetables

Brown rice and vegetables is a nutritious and versatile side dish that pairs well with Cornish game hens. The nutty flavor of the brown rice and the variety of colorful vegetables make this dish both tasty and visually appealing, adding balance to your meal.

4. Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes, whether boiled, roasted, or smashed, are a classic and comforting side dish that goes perfectly with Cornish hens. Their tender texture and subtle flavor allow them to absorb the delicious juices from the hens, making them a satisfying accompaniment.

5. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is a fun and flavorful side dish to serve with Cornish hens. The crispy, fried onion petals seasoned with spices provide a crunchy contrast to the tender hens, while the dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to the meal.

6. Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are a healthy and colorful side dish that goes wonderfully with Cornish game hens. The caramelized, tender vegetables add a lovely depth of flavor and a contrasting texture to the succulent, tender meat. Choose your favorite seasonal root vegetables for a delectable and visually appealing side dish.

7. Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a creamy and flavorful side dish that complements Cornish Hens perfectly. The rich, buttery potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting and delicious accompaniment to the tender, savory meat, making for a truly delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

8. Green Beans

Green bean are an elegant and tasty side dish that pairs well with Cornish Hens. The tender-crisp green beans, sautéed with butter, garlic, and crunchy almonds, add a touch of freshness and a delightful contrast in texture to the succulent meat, creating a well-rounded and delicious dining experience.

9. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms are a savory and delicious side dish that goes great with Cornish Hens. The earthy, umami-rich flavors of the mushrooms complement the tender, juicy meat, adding a delightful depth of flavor to the meal. This combination is perfect for a cozy and satisfying dinner.

10. Herbed Couscous

Herbed couscous is a light and fluffy side dish that pairs nicely with Cornish Hens. The delicate texture of the couscous and the aromatic herbs create a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment to the tender, succulent meat. This side dish is a great option for those who prefer a lighter alternative to rice or potatoes.

11. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness to your meal, balancing out the savory flavors of Cornish hens. The natural sweetness of the carrots combined with a honey glaze creates a delicious side dish that everyone will love.

12. Warm Quinoa Salad

Warm quinoa salad is a hearty and nutritious option to serve alongside Cornish hens. With its nutty flavor and various textures from added vegetables and herbs, it's a satisfying side dish that complements the tender meat of the hens.

13. Polenta

Creamy polenta is a smooth and comforting side dish that pairs well with Cornish hens. Its rich, creamy texture and subtle corn flavor enhance the savory taste of the hens, making it a perfect addition to your dinner table.

14. Grilled Vegetable Medley

A grilled vegetable medley is a colorful and healthy side dish to serve with Cornish hens. The smoky, charred flavors of the grilled vegetables add depth and variety to your meal, while the assortment of colors and textures make for an eye-catching presentation.

15. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish that goes well with Cornish Hens. The sweet, velvety potatoes topped with a crunchy, buttery crust create a delightful contrast to the tender, savory meat. This combination is perfect for a festive or special occasion meal.

16. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized Brussels sprouts are a delightful side dish that adds a burst of flavor and texture to your meal. The sweet caramelization contrasts beautifully with the slightly bitter taste of the sprouts, creating a unique and delicious pairing with Cornish hens.

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