Cornish Hen Recipe

Coated in a garlic and herb rub, this Cornish Hen Recipe roasts until golden brown, making it the ideal main entrée for any occasion, and it’s an impressive dish that needs very little prep.

Equipment for Making Cornish Hen at Home

• Oven
• Bowl

Ingredients:

• 2 thawed Cornish Hens
• 1 clove Garlic (finely grated)
• 1 Lemon zest
• 2 tbsp Fresh rosemary (finely minced)
• 2 tbsp Fresh thyme (finely minced)
• 1 tbsp Regular paprika
• 4 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Coarse salt
• 1⁄2 tbsp 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 distribute the garlic and herb rub among the hens, making sure to coat them on all sides and inside.
• 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 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.

Note:

• You should consume this recipe immediately after it finishes cooking. However, keep this warm in a pan covered in the oven at low temperatures (<200°) for up to 30 minutes before serving.
• You can 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.
• If you want 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.
• You can customize these Cornish hens by adding a zesty rub such as 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.