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Roasted Cornish Hen

Roasted Cornish hen is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brightens up any meal with its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 pieces Cornish hens
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 piece lemon, halved For stuffing
  • to taste Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
  3. Rub the hens thoroughly with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
  4. Place a lemon half inside each hen.
Cooking
  1. Arrange the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan.
  2. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  4. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, brine the hens a few hours before cooking for added juiciness. Experiment with different herbs for variation.