Roasted Cornish Hens

Why Make This Roasted Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish hens are a splendid choice for any occasion. They are petite, flavorful, and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. These little birds get wonderfully crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, they are incredibly versatile—you can serve them with a variety of sides depending on your preference or the season. Not only do they look stunning on the table, but the preparation is simple enough for even beginner cooks to tackle with ease.

How to Make Roasted Cornish Hens

Making roasted Cornish hens is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality results at home. The hens roast alongside a medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs that infuse them with mouthwatering flavor. This recipe requires minimal fuss, and the result is a stunning centerpiece for your meal. By following a few simple steps, you can create a dish that will leave everyone raving about your cooking.

Ingredients:

• ½ lemon (cut into slices)
• 1 yellow onion (cut into quarters)
• 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 4 potatoes (quartered, red or yellow)
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• 2 Cornish hens (giblets removed, over 1.5 lbs each)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp rosemary (chopped)
• 1 stick unsalted butter (softened)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Grease an oven-safe dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Add all the oven prep ingredients (lemon, onion, garlic, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary) to the dish and spread them out evenly.
3. Pat the hens dry and cut out the backbone. Gently press down on the breast to flatten the hen. Season generously with salt and pepper. If your Cajun seasoning has salt as a primary ingredient, be careful with the added salt at this step.
4. Let the hens sit for about 10 minutes. If they’re too cold, it will be harder to spread the compound butter.
5. In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the compound butter and mix until smooth. Lift the breast skin and place some butter underneath, then spread the remaining butter all over the Cornish hens.
6. Place the hens in the prepared oven-safe dish. Roast in the oven for 50 minutes, basting every 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when done. For the best results, use an oven-safe thermometer to monitor the temperature.
7. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Each serving (one Cornish hen) contains approximately:

• Calories: 525
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 540mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 42g

How to Serve Roasted Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish hens make a delightful main dish for festive dinners, date nights, or family gatherings. Pair them with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For special occasions, consider presenting them on a beautiful platter and garnishing with fresh herbs and lemon slices to elevate the dish’s visual appeal.

How to Store Roasted Cornish Hens

If you find yourself with leftovers (which can happen with those scrumptious hens), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure freshness, you can also freeze the roasted Cornish hens wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Roasted Cornish Hens

• Brining the hens for a few hours in a saltwater solution can enhance flavor and moisture.
• Ensure the oven is preheated to achieve that crispy skin.
• Basting the hens with the juices every 15 minutes helps develop an incredible taste and texture.
• Make sure the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone for an accurate reading.

Delicious Variations

• Herb Citrus: Add orange slices and fresh oregano instead of lemon and thyme for a fresh twist.
• Spicy Maple Glaze: Replace honey with pure maple syrup, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy finish.
• Stuffed Hens: Fill the cavity with a mixture of bread crumbs, dried cranberries, and nuts for added flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use regular chicken instead of Cornish hens?
  Yes! While cooking times and seasonings may need adjustment, you can use a whole chicken in this recipe. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• What sides go well with Cornish hens?
  Popular sides include roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a quinoa salad. You can also serve it with a crusty bread or a fresh salad.

• Can I make the compound butter ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare the compound butter a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld before use.

Conclusion

Roasted Cornish hens are not just a meal; they’re an experience. With their juicy meat and crispy skin, they bring a delightful blend of flavors to your table, making any dinner feel special. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let your taste buds indulge in the savory goodness. Don’t forget to share your experience or ask any questions in the comments below! Happy cooking!

Roasted Cornish Hens

Deliciously roasted Cornish hens with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 525

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Hens

• 2 pieces Cornish hens (giblets removed, over 1.5 lbs each) Choose fresh hens for best results.
• ½ stick unsalted butter (softened) Use room temperature butter for easy spreading.
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust salt usage based on seasoning salt content.
• ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for variations.
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes Adjust for heat preference.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp rosemary (chopped)

For the Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion (cut into quarters)
• 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 4 pieces potatoes (quartered, red or yellow)
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• ½ lemon (cut into slices) Enhances flavor during roasting.

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients

• Salt to taste Salt Use according to taste.
• Pepper to taste Pepper Use according to taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Grease an oven-safe dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
3. Add all the oven prep ingredients (lemon, onion, garlic, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary) to the dish and spread them out evenly.
4. Pat the hens dry and cut out the backbone. Gently press down on the breast to flatten the hen.
5. Season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Let the hens sit for about 10 minutes.
7. In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the compound butter and mix until smooth.
8. Lift the breast skin and place some butter underneath, then spread the remaining butter all over the Cornish hens.

Cooking

1. Place the hens in the prepared oven-safe dish.
2. Roast in the oven for 50 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
3. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when done.

Notes

For best results, use an oven-safe thermometer to monitor the temperature. Brining the hens beforehand can enhance flavor and moisture. Serve with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.