These bacon-wrapped Cornish game hens are one of those easy dinners that feel like a treat. The bacon turns crisp in the oven while the maple syrup caramelizes into a sweet, sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy hen beneath. With just three simple ingredients, you get big flavor and a dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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These bacon-wrapped Cornish game hens are one of those easy dinners that feel like a treat. The bacon turns crisp in the oven while the maple syrup caramelizes into a sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the juicy meat underneath.
With just three ingredients, this dish is perfect for the holidays or anytime you want something simple but special. If you’re skipping the big turkey this year, try roasting two hens side-by-side because they cook faster and still deliver a flavorful, elegant meal.
If you are looking for more delicious dinner recipes, check out all of my gluten-free dinner recipes!
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Cornish Hens – Grocery stores usually carry these in the frozen section, where you would find frozen turkey and duck. Thaw the hens in the refrigerator so they are defrosted.
- Maple Syrup – Use real maple syrup in this recipe. It will make a big difference in flavor.
- Bacon – I used applewood smoked bacon. Any variety of regular or turkey bacon will be tasty.
A Note From My Kitchen
Bacon makes everything better, at least that is what my kids say. I decided to use bacon to wrap these Cornish game hens. The bacon locks in the juices and smoky bacon flavor seeps into the meat. It is a win-win and you only need 3 ingredients.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Cornish Hens (Step-By-Step)
Step 1: Rub the game hens with natural maple syrup. You can use either Grade A or Grade B maple syrup. Next is wrapping these hens in bacon!
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Step 2: Wrap the hens in bacon and bake for 50 minutes to one hour. Baking time will vary depending on the size of the Cornish hens.
Be sure your hens are completely thawed before baking! You can also cook these hens in your air fryer. See below for the many ways you can cook Cornish hens.
More ways to cook a Cornish Hen:
- Marinate the hen and cook it on the grill.
- Stuff the hen with fresh oranges and stuffing, and bake it!
- Cook your hens in a slow cooker with fresh vegetables.
- If you have a smoker, try smoking your game, hens. Smoking adds a rich flavor that penetrates the whole hen!
- Roast them like in my Roasted Cornish Hens recipe.
- Try my Air Fryer Cornish Hens recipe if you love using your air fryer.
How to store and freeze leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Cornish game hen’s cooking time is very similar to chicken. Make sure the internal temperature is 165º F when finished. Use a digital thermometer to verify the temperature.
Most bacon is gluten-free. Always check the labels.
You can not use frozen Cornish hens in this recipe. The cooking time becomes too uneven, and you end up with a burnt hen and a raw inside.
One Cornish hen typically serves one person generously, or two if served with lots of side dishes.
You may also love this Ham Steak Dinner recipe.
Serve With These Side Dishes:
- Mashed Rutabagas – These are creamy and delicious with cornish game hens.
- This tasty Christmas Rice is also nice!
- Bacon Ricotta Scalloped Potatoes – This is a winner if you love cheesy potatoes.
- My kid’s favorite Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes.
Love This Recipe?
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below. This will help others know this recipe is delicious. Thank you!
Bacon Wrapped Maple Cornish Game Hens
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 Cornish game hens thawed
- 8 slices bacon
- salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Remove the Cornish game hens from wrapping. Place in a pan.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the chicken.
- Wrap the raw bacon around the hens. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 30 minutes, or until the cornish game hens reach 165º F internal temperature.
Notes
- You can use grade A or B maple syrup. Be sure to use 100% real syrup and not imitation syrup.
- Be sure your Cornish hens are completely thawed before baking!!
- These Cornish hens will keep up to 3 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, my rule of thumb is to add more flour if your dough or batter is wet and add more liquid if the dough or batter is too dry!
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
I truly hope you enjoy this recipe. I have been testing and creating gluten-free recipes for over 15 years. Creating gluten-free recipes that do not taste gluten-free is my goal for every recipe. Sometimes I only have to test a new recipe a couple of times, and others it takes multiple times. I do this so you get reliable, delicious results every time!
Can I substitute Manuka Honey, for the maple syrup?
Hi Alice, I have not used honey so I am not sure. Maple and bacon flavors impart in the recipe…and honey and maple are very different in their flavor profile. If you do try it, please do come back and let us know how it turned out.
I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving 2018 and it was absolutely fabulous! It was delicious and turned out beautiful! Thank you for the recipe!
I am SOOOO glad you liked this recipe Donna. It is one of our very favorites too. Thank you for coming back to let me know.
Hi Sandi,
Wow!! This looks incredibly delicious. And This looks AMAZING! I will have to try it. These sound fantastic, wrapping anything in bacon makes it better, well almost better… That snickers bar did not work out too well.Thanks for reminding us to think of the people in the New york.