West Knoxville: 865-357-2288 | North Knoxville: 865-339-4422
Maryville: 865-980-8810 | Tullahoma: 931-222-4800

West Knoxville: 865-357-2288
North Knoxville: 865-339-4422
Maryville: 865-980-8810
Tullahoma: 931-222-4800

Now, before you fire the author, hear me out on this one. Take a good look at that delectable birds below and realize something…… it’s not turkey. They are Cornish Game Hens!

Bottom line…you may not need a whole turkey for your small crowd OR you may not enjoy turkey. If your gang prefers chicken, consider an individual hen for each guest this Thanksgiving.  They make a holiday table simply gorgeous, and they are, oh, so delicious!

Cornish Game Hens – what are they exactly?

Well first, what they are not: They are not game birds nor hens. These are simply poultry that are either male or female, bred to develop a large breast in a short amount of time. The meat is very tender, allowing it to easily absorb your favorite Thanksgiving marinades and spices. Each Cornish Game Hen weighs 2 to 2.5 pounds, which is traditionally a perfect portion for one or two persons.

Because of its size, the hen does not take nearly the time to roast as a full turkey. You can even consider following an air fryer recipe!

 Why might this be your preferred Thanksgiving choice?

In addition to taste preference, the Cornish Game Hen makes a stunning table presentation! Just imagine an individual hen, roasted to perfection, adorning every plate around your holiday table! These little birds do not take the prep time of a full turkey, and you never need to worry about wrestling all the parts into the roasting pan. Who knows? This might be the year for a brand-new holiday tradition!

 You can find Cornish Game Hens in your local grocery, typically next to the fresh or frozen turkeys. They are considered a very juicy alternative to the traditional turkey, and their price tag often reflects it. Prices vary of course, but plan to spend about $10 for two hens.