Description
This Cornish Hen recipe features tender, flavorful birds roasted to perfection with a savory blend of paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, and fresh rosemary. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, cooked in the oven to ensure juicy meat and a crispy skin.
Ingredients
For the Cornish Hens
- 2 Cornish hens, thawed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh rosemary, minced (optional)
- Twine for tying drumsticks
- Optional: quartered onions and lemon wedges for roasting
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the hens.
- Clean the hens: Pat each Cornish hen dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure crispy skin during roasting.
- Mix spices: In a liquid measuring cup, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons coarse salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, lemon zest, and minced fresh rosemary if using. Stir until well mixed.
- Rub spices: Generously rub half of the spice mixture all over each hen, making sure to coat the entire surface including the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Prepare hens for roasting: Tuck the wings neatly behind the hens. Tie the drumsticks together securely with twine to maintain shape during cooking. Place the prepared hens onto a roasting rack set over a roasting pan or a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add quartered onions and lemon wedges to the pan if desired to add aroma and flavor.
- Bake: Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), achieving juicy, fully cooked meat.
- Rest: Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Cut and serve: Optionally, cut each hen in half before serving, and garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure hens are completely thawed if previously frozen for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness reliably.
- Tying the drumsticks helps retain shape and even cooking.
- Resting the meat after cooking is crucial for moisture retention.
- Adding aromatics like onions and lemon wedges to the roasting pan enhances flavor subtly.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
