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cornish hen

Cornish Hen Recipe

Rachid Yousfi
If you're looking for a flavorful, tender, and versatile dish that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners, this Cornish hen recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to prepare, can be customized with a variety of seasonings, and is guaranteed to impress with its rich taste and beautiful presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine United States
Servings 3 People
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Roasting pan or baking dish
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pound Cornish hen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
  • 1 lemon
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 ttsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Season the hen:
    Rub the entire Cornish hen with olive oil, ensuring it’s well-coated. Sprinkle the inside and outside of the bird with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and smashed garlic cloves for extra flavor.
  • Roast:
    Place the hen on a roasting rack or in a roasting pan, breast side up. Pour the chicken broth (or wine) into the bottom of the pan to keep the hen moist while roasting. Optionally, you can place small pats of butter on top of the hen for extra richness.
  • Cook:
    Roast the hen for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the breast. If you want a crispy skin, you can broil the hen for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Rest:
    Let the hen rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

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Notes

  • Dry the Skin Well: Make sure to pat the Cornish hen dry with paper towels before seasoning it. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully during roasting.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount slightly as they are more potent.
  • Baste for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer a juicier hen, you can baste it halfway through cooking using the pan juices to keep it moist.
  • Rest After Roasting: Don’t skip the resting step. Allowing the hen to rest for 10 minutes after roasting helps the meat retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
  • Check the Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Cornish hens can cook quickly, and you don’t want to overcook them.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cornish Hen Recipe
Serving Size
 
350 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
280
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
8
g
Cholesterol
 
70
mg
23
%
Sodium
 
400
mg
17
%
Potassium
 
330
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
 
350
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
10
mg
12
%
Calcium
 
20
mg
2
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Cornish Hen
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