Cornish Hen Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Servings
4
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Calories
578 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cornish Hen Recipe
Description
The recipe involves preparing two thawed Cornish hens by patting them dry and then applying a savory rub made from finely grated garlic, lemon zest, fresh rosemary and thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. The mixture is rubbed over all surfaces and inside the cavity of the birds. The hens are then trussed to maintain shape during cooking.
Roasting occurs at 425°F on a rack within a roasting pan, allowing air circulation that crisps the skin while the inside cooks to a safe doneness of 163° to 165°F in the breast. The hens are baked for 50-60 minutes, with attention to internal temperature to ensure juiciness and food safety. After roasting, the birds rest briefly before serving to let juices redistribute.
These hens can be served whole or halved with their flavorful herb rub intact. Optional garnishes include fresh herbs and lemon slices to complement the dish, making it suitable for an elegant or casual meal.
The recipe suggests that it is best eaten fresh from the oven but may be kept warm enclosed at low temperature for a short period before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cornish hen thawed
- 1 garlic finely grated, one clove
- lemon zest of 1
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary finely minced
- 2 teaspoons thyme finely minced, fresh
- 1 teaspoon paprika regular
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt coarse
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
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.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, serve the Cornish hens immediately after cooking.
- Rest the hens 2 to 3 minutes after roasting to allow juices to settle.
- Optional garnishes like fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon slices enhance presentation and aroma.
- Keep hens warm at low oven temperature if serving later, but prolonged holding may affect texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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