Small Thanksgiving or Christmas Main Course Recipe – Cornish Hens

Cornish Hens are a family favorite at my place – we call them “miniature turkeys” – and truly make a small celebration of the big holidays. While traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas might be canceled this season, it is still possible to have home-cooked comfort food to give your household that beautiful glimpse of the season.

My children were little when we began the “miniature turkey” tradition. Although there are miniature turkey breeds, our miniature turkeys are actually Cornish Hens. A single stuffed, trussed, and roasted Cornish Hen is placed in front of every member of my smiling family for holiday dinners. The result is always delight-filled shouting, “Aren’t they cute?” Traditional side dishes are served, of course, but the real darling of the holiday table is that mini-turkey on each person’s plate.

Mediterranean Diet, Paleo Diet, and Keto Diet Cornish Hen Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy and can help you make a tasty and delicious holiday meal. Without a doubt, the other benefit is that this main course is that it is anti-inflammatory and healthy. The turkey and stuffing combination qualifies as an Anti-inflammatory Diet and aligns with the Mediterranean Diet, Paleo Diet, Keto Diet, and is generally VERY GOOD for you and your family.

I created this specific recipe when Kevin’s Natural Foods announced a contest to see who could create the most magnificent anti-inflammatory recipe utilizing their flavor-filled paleo and keto sauces. My first thought went to the holidays – you all have been asking me for creative small celebration holiday dishes. In response, I’ve created a whole series of amazing main courses utilizing the sauces from Kevin’s Natural Foods.

Whip up the dressing first and then add Kevin’s sauce plus a few seasonings from your pantry, stuff that Cornish hen, and finally bake it in the oven until your house smells heavenly.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Dressing

Roasted cauliflower and butternut squash is a surprisingly yummy vegetable combination. Make this dressing, then stuff it in your poultry for added flavor invested in the bird. I had a leftover grilled onion I tossed in, however you can use a fresh onion or pull the onion out entirely.

Want a great vegan side dish to serve at your meal? Roasted cauliflower and butternut squash dressing goes above and beyond delicious and is excellent for Paleo or Keto diets. This recipe is also a vegan side dish if served without roasting inside the bird.

How to Roast a Cornish Hen

Roast a Cornish hen by following three easy steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and oil the roasting pan
2. Lightly oil outside of birds, season generously inside and out, stuff with preferred dressing, then truss
3. Roast the poultry, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes or until a baking thermometer reads 180F. Insert thermometer in the thigh area at the thickest part, being sure to avoid the bone. Let the poultry rest for 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish and serve whole or cut Cornish hens in half.

Feature Ingredient Used in This Recipe

Special thanks to Kevin’s Natural Foods as the Cilantro Lime sauce is delicious and contributes a bright flavor to the vegetables I love. The taste permeated the hens and has an over-the-top flavor.

There are tons of links to fantastical recipes out on Kevin’s Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest social sites, so you can find more information on how to utilize Kevin’s products to eat clean and live happy. Check it out here – Kevin’s Natural Foods.

Get Stacked with Flavor as a Holiday Gift!

Don’t forget you can get a copy of my book Stacked with Flavor; An Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook with Dairy-Free, Grain-Free & Low-Sugar Recipes RIGHT NOW for your holiday gift giving. Inside this full-color photographed book you can find all kinds of recipes that are clean diet; no grain, no dairy, no sugar. These smart foods can help you reduce chronic pain and feel better every day.