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Roasted Cornish Hens

Elegant roasted Cornish hens with tender meat, crispy skin, and a flavorful seasoning make for a stunning dinner table centerpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces Cornish hens Ensure they are thawed if frozen.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For rubbing on the hens.
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced Adds flavor to the hens.
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped Can use more sprigs inside the cavity.
  • 1 pieces lemon To be squeezed over and placed inside.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter Dotted on the tops for richness.
  • 1 tsp paprika For a slight smokiness.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt To season.
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels, remove any giblets from the cavity, and trim any excess fat.
  3. Rub the hens all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Press the seasonings firmly into the skin.
  4. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the hens. Place the lemon halves and a few sprigs of rosemary into the cavities of each hen.
Cooking
  1. Place the hens, breast-side up, on a roasting rack set in a baking dish. Dot the tops with small pieces of butter.
  2. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, basting them occasionally, until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
  3. Once done, let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

For best results, rub seasonings under the skin for maximum flavor. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Basting every 15-20 minutes helps keep the meat moist.