How to Trim a Cornish Game Hen

A Cornish game hen is a tiny chicken that weighs anywhere from 1 to 2 lbs. and offers just enough meat for one or two people per bird. Roast the meat with a wide variety of herbs, spices, vegetables and various types of stuffing. While the little chicken consists of the same parts as a standard-sized bird, it is not trimmed into the many pieces that are typical of larger chickens. Trim your Cornish game hens in half to best display their special size and appearance. Does this Spark an idea?

Print this article

Cutting board
Poultry shears

Instructions

- 1
  
  Lay the Cornish game hen breast-side up on your cutting board.
- 2
  
  Cut through the center of the breast lengthwise using poultry shears.
- 3
  
  Open up the hen flat, skin-side down and cut along one side of the backbone from the tailbone area to the neck area. This will free one half of the bird.
- 4
  
  Cut along the other side of the backbone to completely remove the backbone.

Tips & Warnings

For an attractive presentation, tuck wing tips behind the neck area or trim them off.
Defrost frozen Cornish game hens in the refrigerator overnight. Place them in a pan so that any juices that may leak out will not contaminate the refrigerator.
When you handle Cornish game hens, be sure to follow all safety rules for raw poultry. Make sure you wash your hands, and anything else the hen comes in contact with, in warm, soapy water.