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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.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Servings: 4
Calories: 578 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°.
- Pat the hens dry inside the cavity and on the outside with paper towels. Set them aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and oil until combined.
- Evenly divide the garlic and herb rub between the hens and coat them on all sides and in the cavity.
- Tuck the wings behind the hen and tie the drums together using butcher’s twine.
- 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.
- 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°.
- Remove the game hens and rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cut the hens in half along with the spice, or serve them whole with optional garnishes of lemons, fresh rosemary, and thyme.
Cup of Yum
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
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
% 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.