Cornish Hen
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
55 mins
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Additional Time
10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
568 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cornish Hen
Description
This Cornish Hen recipe outfits hens approximately 1.5 pounds each with a rub of olive oil combined with dried rosemary, lemon zest, thyme, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. The birds are prepared by tucking wings and optionally tying legs for even cooking. They are placed over seasoned vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions, which roast in the same pan, soaking up the flavorful drippings.
Baking begins at a high temperature of 450°F to crisp the skin and then decreases to 400°F for thorough cooking. Hens are roasted 55 to 65 minutes until an internal thermometer reaches 165°F in the thickest meat. Resting under foil allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
The vegetables can be stirred into the drippings for a savory side or returned to the oven if not done. The complete roasting in a single pan simplifies preparation and cleanup.
Accurate temperature checks help prevent overcooking; hens can be pulled at 160°F and will finish cooking while resting.
Ingredients
- 2 cornish hens about 1.5 pounds each
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon rosemary crushed, dried
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon thyme dried leaves
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Vegetables
- 1 pound potato cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 carrot cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion cut into 1-inch wedges
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- If using, toss the vegetables with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt & pepper to taste. Place in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with salt, rosemary, lemon zest, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Brush hens with the olive oil mixture. Twist wings to tuck under the bird. Tie legs together with twine if desired.
- Place Cornish hens on the vegetables and transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 400°F.
- Bake the hens uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes or until the hens reach 165°F* with a thermometer. Ensure the thermometer does not touch the bone.
- Transfer the hens to a serving plate and loosely tent with foil for 10 minutes.
- Stir the vegetables into the juices on the pan. If needed, you can place them back into the oven as the hens rest. If the vegetables are cooked to your liking, turn the oven off and place them in the oven to keep warm.
- Cut hens in half using kitchen scissors and serve with vegetables.
Notes
- Cornish hens range from 1.5 to 2.25 pounds; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Remove hens from oven at 160°F and rest 10 minutes to reach the safe 165°F internal temperature.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 568 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 568 | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 227mg | 76% |
| Sodium | 450mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 669mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 5338IU | 107% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 41mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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