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Cornish Hen
Roasted Cornish hens are tender and juicy with a crispy, golden-brown skin.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 568 kcal
Course:
Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens about 1.5 pounds each
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Vegetables
- 1 pound potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 carrots cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion cut into 1-inch wedges
- salt and 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cornish hens can range in size from 1.5 to 2.25 lbs. Cooking time can vary slightly based on the size of your hens.
- Poultry should reach a final temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat with the thermometer not touching the bone. I remove the hens from the oven at 160°F as they will continue to cook as they rest and will reach 165°F.
- Leftovers will keep for 4 days in the refrigerator and 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Calories
568
(28%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
39g
(78%)
Fat
42g
(65%)
Saturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Cholesterol
227mg
(76%)
Sodium
450mg
(19%)
Potassium
669mg
(19%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
5338IU
(107%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
41mg
(4%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 568
% 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.