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Roasted Cornish Hens

These perfectly juicy roasted Cornish hens are seasoned to perfection and roasted until golden brown, making them an elegant centerpiece for any special occasion.
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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: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 whole Cornish hens Opt for fresh for best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Melted butter can be a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Kosher salt preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoky paprika adds depth.
  • 3 cloves Minced garlic Garlic powder is a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped rosemary Fresh preferred, dried is okay.
  • 1 whole Lemon Sliced; limes are a great substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Unsalted preferred.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary together to form a seasoning paste.
  4. Carefully rub this mixture all over the hens, including under the skin for extra flavor.
  5. Stuff the cavity of each hen with slices of lemon.
  6. Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting pan. Dot with pieces of butter on top for added richness.
Cooking
  1. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the skin is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  2. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving for more flavorful and juicy results.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, start roasting the hens breast-side down for the first 30 minutes, then flip them over for the last half-hour. Always let the hens rest after roasting; this step is crucial for juicy meat.