Cornish Hen Recipe
This easy Cornish hen recipe gives you tender, roasted birds with golden crispy skin. It's fancy enough for guests but simple enough for any night!
Equipment
- Butchers twine
- Roasting pan with a rack
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens , thawed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: 1 onion, 1 lemon, fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 425°F
- Clean the hens: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Combine spices: Add 1/4 cup oil to liquid measuring cup. Then add in 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon paprika and 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add zest of 1 lemon and minced fresh rosemary if desired. Mix together.
- Spice the hens: Rub 1/2 of the spice rub on each hen, coating the entire hen, including the cavity.
- Prepare for baking: Tuck the wings behind the hen and tie the drumsticks with twine. Place the hens on the rack in a roasting pan or 9x13 dish. Add quartered onions and lemons if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the thickets part of the breast reaches 165°F.
- Rest: Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 - 10 minutes.
- Cut and serve: Cut the hens in half to serve, or serve whole optionally garnished with rosemary.
Notes
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 595kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 39g, Fat: 45g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 24g, Cholesterol: 227mg, Sodium: 1303mg, Potassium: 636mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 499IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
