Cornish Hen Recipe

User Reviews

5.0

78 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    578 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Cornish Hen Recipe

This Cornish Hen Recipe is coated in a garlic and herb rub and roasted until golden brown for the perfect main entrée for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 thawed Cornish Hens
  • 1 finely grated garlic clove
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon regular paprika
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons coarse salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
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Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°.
  2. Pat the hens dry inside the cavity and on the outside with paper towels. Set them aside.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and oil until combined.
  4. Evenly divide the garlic and herb rub between the hens and coat them on all sides and in the cavity.
  5. Tuck the wings behind the hen and tie the drums together using butcher’s twine.
  6. Transfer them to a roasting pan on a rack, and using a spatula scrape all the remaining herb and garlic oil rub onto the top of the hens.
  7. Bake in the oven on a lower rack at 425° for 50-60 minutes or until the thickest part of the breast reads 163° to 165°.
  8. Remove the game hens and rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Cut the hens in half along with the spice, or serve them whole with optional garnishes of lemons, fresh rosemary, and thyme.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: This recipe is best when eaten as soon as it’s done cooking. However, keep this warm in a pan covered in the oven at low temperatures (<200°) for up to 30 minutes before serving.
  • How to Store: Cover the Cornish hens in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will freeze well-covered for up to 3 months. Thaw for 1 day in the refrigerator or until thawed before using.
  • How to Reheat: Place the Cornish game hens in a pan with ½ cup of water. Cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until hot.
  • To boost the flavor, use the brine in my best-fried chicken recipe.
  • You can customize these Cornish hens by adding a zesty rub like in my BBQ Rub, Southwest Rub, or Cajun Rub.
  • Remember to remove the butcher’s twine from the game hens before serving.
  • Add one roughly chopped yellow onion, 2 roughly chopped carrots, and 2 roughly chopped celery ribs to the roasting pot with the hens to make it more aromatic.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 578kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 39g (78%) Fat 46g (71%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Polyunsaturated Fat 8g Monounsaturated Fat 24g Cholesterol 227mg (76%) Sodium 1301mg (54%) Potassium 556mg (16%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Sugar 0.1g (0%) Vitamin A 540IU (11%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 34mg (3%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 578 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 578kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 39g 78%
Fat 46g 71%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g 47%
Monounsaturated Fat 24g 120%
Cholesterol 227mg 76%
Sodium 1301mg 54%
Potassium 556mg 12%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Sugar 0.1g 0%
Vitamin A 540IU 11%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

78 reviews
Excellent

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