Copycat Dolly Parton's Stampede Chicken

Jump to Recipe

Seasoned to perfection and super tender and juicy, just one bite of this copycat Dolly Parton's Stampede Chicken recipe will make you want to hoot and holler and STAMPEDE! This Dixie stampede chicken is made with cornish hens and uses a brining technique that makes this recipe restaurant-worthy!

A Cornish game hen with soup and a biscuit

Table of Contents

What is Dolly Parton's Stampede?

Dolly Parton’s Stampede (previously known as Dixie Stampede) is “the most fun place to eat” in Pigeon Forge, TN. I’ve been to this dinner/show attraction no less than 25 times in my life…and I’d go 25 more! They’ve had the same menu all these years, and the dixie chicken has always been my favorite part.

I’ve tried lots of different seasonings, marinades and brines, and this recipe is as close as I can get without having the exact recipe. In true Stampede fashion, you gotta eat Dolly Parton's chicken with your fingers!

Save The Recipe!

Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes!

I love going to Dolly's Stampede so much that I've even created additional recipes from the menu so you can bring all the dishes home with you! Try Dolly Parton's Stampede Garlic Biscuits or Dolly Parton's Stampede Soup.

Why You’ll like this Recipe

Ride Down Memory Lane: For those who've been to Dolly (Dixie) Stampede, it brings back happy memories!
Create a Yummy Moment: For those who haven't been to Dolly (Dixie) Stampede, you'll get to try a chicken that is spot on to the original dinner show flavor!
Affordable Dinner Option: They're versatile and inexpensive to make!
Incredibly Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: They're super juicy, tender, full of flavor and a fun weeknight dinner!

Brining Roasted Cornish Hens

Before roasting the Cornish hens for the Stampede chicken recipe, I first brine them a salt water mixture for 8 hours. Brining is an important technique for making chicken or Cornish hens more more moist and tender when roasted.

The salt in the brine helps to break down some of the fibers in the chicken and the wet brine allows the chicken to absorb more moisture before it bakes. It's the same method as brining a turkey before Thanksgiving.

Once the brining is finished, be sure to pat the Cornish hen very dry on the outside with paper towels. The skin needs to be very dry to be able to get browned and crispy in the oven.

Ingredients in Dixie Stampede Chicken

Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Cornish Game Hens: A variety of broiler chicken, Cornish game hens are no more than 2 pounds. Their high skin-to-meat ration makes them succulent and tender!
Garlic Butter: Increases the juiciness and tenderness of the chicken and is brimming with savory garlic flavor.
Lemon Wedges: Helps add flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
Garlic Cloves: This adds a nuanced savoriness and flavor.
Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: Infuses fresh herb flavor from within the chicken.
Olive Oil, optional: This enhances the chicken skins golden brown color and crispiness.
Flaky Poultry Seasoning: An incredible blend of flavors that has notes of the fall and winter holidays. Seasonings include sage, thyme, marjoram, nutmeg and onion powder.

Ingredients to dress a Cornish game hen with.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Dolly Parton's Stampede Chicken

Brine the hens in salt water in the refrigerator a minimum of 8 hours.

Brining Cornish game hens in salt water.

Remove the chickens from the brine and dry well with a paper towel. Place both chickens on a wire rack on top of a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Gently lift the skin from the chicken breasts and legs. Evenly distribute the garlic butter between the skin and meat and all over the outside of the skin.

Rubbing garlic butter on Cornish game hens.

Add lemon, garlic and fresh herbs inside the hen. Season the outside skin and inside the carcass with poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. If you'd like, drizzle olive oil on the outside skin.

Cornish game hens ready to go in the oven to roast.

Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F and bake an additional 35-40, or until the breast registers with an internal temp of 165°F. In Dixie Stampede fashion, eat it with your fingers while it’s hot!

Tips and Substitutions

Flaky Poultry seasoning is just that, flaky. Make sure if you're using ground that you adjust the volume to your desired palate. It will be more concentrated.
Brining is an essential step in ensuring your meat is super tender and juicy!
Cornish game hens are typically located in the freezer meat section at a store. When I thaw them at home, it can take 3-5 days, so this is definitely a meal you'll want to plan ahead for!
This recipe can also be made with one 5-6 pound roaster chicken. Follow the same instructions for prep then bake at 425°F for 1 ½ hours, or until the thickest part of the breast registers at 165°F.
This recipe can also be made in an Instant Pot. Karen at 365 Days of Slow Cooking and Pressure Cooking adopted my recipe into her Instant Pot Dolly Parton Stampede Chicken.

What to Serve With Dixie Stampede Chicken Recipe

To complete the Dolly stampede experience, I recommend pairing it with our other Dolly favorites, Garlic Cheddar Biscuits and her incredible Stampede Soup.

Storage and Freezing

Once completely cooled, store stampede chicken leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.

Properly stored in a freezer-safe bag or container, cornish hen leftovers can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cornish game hen?

Cornish game hens are small, young chickens that are typically harvested at around five to six weeks old. They are a crossbreed between Cornish chickens and White Plymouth Rock chickens.

How should I thaw Cornish game hens before roasting?

The best way to thaw Cornish game hens is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly.

Should I truss the Cornish game hens before roasting?

Trussing the Cornish game hens is not necessary, but it can help maintain their shape.

How can I tell if the Cornish game hens are cooked through?

The most reliable way to determine if they're fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the bird, avoiding contact with bones, and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Are there any alternative cooking methods with these hens?

Yes, besides roasting, you can also grill, broil, or even sous vide. Each method will provide a slightly different flavor and texture.

Try these other Chicken Recipes:

Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe

5 from 4 votes