Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
908 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Cuban
Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
Description
The recipe for Roasted Cornish Hen begins with a marinade made from freshly squeezed lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh oregano, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The hens, each about one pound, are thoroughly rinsed and dried before being placed in the marinade, including the cavity, and refrigerated for at least four hours or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.
Roasting starts at 425°F to develop browning and crispy skin, then continues at 375°F for about 75 to 90 minutes to finish cooking without drying. The hens are roasted on a bed of thinly sliced yellow onions with added water or chicken stock to maintain moisture. Slices of fresh lime can be placed around the hens during roasting for extra citrus aroma.
The result is hens with a crisped skin and juicy, tender meat infused with bright citrus and herb flavors. Letting the hens rest for 20 minutes after roasting allows juices to redistribute before serving. Garnishing with fresh herbs complements the dish visually and flavor-wise. The recipe suggests substitutions such as lemon for lime, different fresh herbs, or broth for water to adjust flavors.
Frozen Cornish hens can be used if fully thawed in advance. Leftovers with pan juices can be stored in an airtight container and gently reheated in a low oven with some juices spooned over to maintain moisture. This recipe balances vibrant marinade flavors with careful roasting technique to achieve tender poultry.
Ingredients
For the Cornish Hen Marinade
- 2/3 cup lime juice from 8-10 juice limes - plus 1 more sliced (optional, freshly squeezed
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons oregano chopped - more as garnish, fresh leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground - plus more for finishing it off
- 4 cornish game hen about 1 pound each, rinsed and pat-dried thoroughly with paper towels
To Roast The Cornish Hens:
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- ½ yellow onion sliced thinly, small
Instructions
- To make the marinade: Whisk together the lime-juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano leaves, cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Divide the marinade in between two 1-gallon resalable plastic bags. Place two hens in each bag, make sure the marinade is distributed evenly (going into the cavity of the hens) and press to get as much air as possible out of it before sealing. Repeat the same process for the other two hens. Place them in the fridge and marinade for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- To roast the Cornish hens: Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Arrange slices of onion at the bottom of a casserole dish or a large ducth oven. Place hens, the marinade, and water on the bed of onions. Sprinkle the hens with freshly ground black pepper. If preferred, slice a fresh lime and place it around the birds.
- Roast for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 F degrees and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Let them rest for 20 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.
Notes
- Lemon juice can substitute lime juice in equal amounts, including lemon slices for roasting.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be used in place of oregano for varied flavors.
- Chicken broth can replace water during roasting for added richness.
- Frozen Cornish hens must be fully thawed in the refrigerator a day before cooking.
- Leftover roasted hens with pan juices should be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a 300°F oven, spooning pan juices over to keep meat moist.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 908 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 908kcal | 45% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 77g | 154% |
| Fat | 63g | 97% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 455mg | 152% |
| Sodium | 860mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 1091mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 486IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 57mg | 6% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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