![a red roasting pan with roasted cornish hens](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/pAnaFM9iSl7pYQQgy5QLU3MpbBs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/268544-roasted-orange-tarragon-cornish-hens-France-C-2000-e8c898fdf401426799f0739d4cc8c719.jpg)
Smaller, juicier, and quicker to cook than a chicken or turkey, Cornish game hens are a great option to serve for Thanksgiving dinner — especially if you are cooking for two or a small number of guests! From cranberry-stuffed game hens to roasted orange-tarragon Cornish hens, why not break from tradition and serve one of these impressive Cornish hen recipes with all the trimmings this Thanksgiving dinner?
Cornish Game Hens with Rice Stuffing
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Cornish game hens are stuffed with a delicious nutty wild rice mixture and roasted until golden and crispy skinned to create a delightful centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner. "I love this recipe!" says home cook KCWRIGHT. "It seems like a gourmet meal but is very easy to make. It turned out juicy and delicious."
Cornish Hen with Tart Cherry Sauce
![a cornish hen on a bed of vegetables with tart cherry sauce over top](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/XYT4fhACBrHIeesviuMEZRdu6fw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/223555-cornish-hen-with-tart-cherry-sauce-Rhupfeld-13b1ce5e1def4c95a1d96e3186d427bf.jpg)
Juicy Cornish hens with crispy skin with a sweet-tart cherry, red wine, and orange sauce are simply wonderful to serve to company. "Absolutely delicious!" says reviewer jennysilvano. "The hens were so succulent, and the cherry sauce was just tart enough to bring all of the flavors together. Can't wait to make it again!"
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Cornish Hen Dinner
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Make it a Thanksgiving dinner to remember when everyone gets their own individual Cornish hen! The hens are roasted in a sheet pan on a bed of potatoes, onions, and carrots for easy prep and clean up! The pan drippings make the base for a flavorful gravy.
Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary
![Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/XLaLHH-kCDQ-hmLwoTe28EjlyXs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2598687-Cornish-Game-Hens-with-Garlic-and-Rosemary-Photo-by-Jean-Ann-resize-f19bfcfc0c0045989b7bd510b9e1a4ca.jpg)
Cornish game hens are stuffed with fresh rosemary and lemon wedges and basted with a white wine broth for an easy, elegant main dish. "Fantastic recipe!" says reviewer HETTIE15. "I'm so glad I found this one. I made two hens for Thanksgiving for my fiancee and myself, and it was perfect!"
Roasted Orange-Tarragon Cornish Hens
![a red roasting pan with roasted cornish hens](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/pAnaFM9iSl7pYQQgy5QLU3MpbBs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/268544-roasted-orange-tarragon-cornish-hens-France-C-2000-e8c898fdf401426799f0739d4cc8c719.jpg)
This impressive, roasted Cornish game hen is a perfectly delicious alternative to turkey if you are celebrating Thanksgiving with just a few guests. "Plan on 1 per person for a generous serving," suggests recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar France C, "or split in half if you're planning on serving plenty of sides."
Easy Cornish Hens
![a cornish hen on a white dinner plate with a side of broccoli](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/48W88YtsJlANIo_OaQFfwIHk0BQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/229872-easy-cornish-hens-8da1d37cebf14965b717dcd60a9f0c78.jpg)
Two Cornish game hens are generously seasoned with herbs and slow-cooked in a lemon broth for a mouthwatering meal for four. "Very tender, moist, and savory," says reviewer rachel. "Paired it with some traditional Thanksgiving fixins for a mini Thanksgiving! My family loved it."
Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
![Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/2yKq8AkE2pxAW1UtNHmubPo1yAs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/apricot-glazed-cornish-hens_cookingwithshelia-82d0fbce56614405879a20b1380f5d12.jpg)
This simple cornish hens recipe delivers sweet heat, thanks to the tantalizing combination of apricot preserves and spicy sriracha. "A nice twist on the traditional roasted cornish hen," says CookingWithShelia.
More Inspiration
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Our entire Cornish Hen Recipe Collection has more ways with these small-yet-delicious birds. Also check out our related recipes and collections for more Thanksgiving inspo: