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Savory Cornish Hen Recipe

Norah Kay
This Savory Cornish Hen Recipe is the perfect centerpiece for an elegant dinner or a cozy night in. Juicy, tender, and seasoned to perfection with a blend of garlic, rosemary, and thyme, these miniature hens are packed with flavor. Optional stuffing with wild rice, mushrooms, or dried fruits adds a gourmet touch, while a drizzle of honey or brown sugar provides a subtle hint of sweetness. Paired with roasted vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Roasting pan or baking dish
  • Small mixing bowl (for seasoning mix)
  • Meat thermometer (for checking doneness)
  • Basting brush (optional for pan drippings)
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

For the Cornish Hen:

  • 2 Cornish hens approximately 1–1.5 lbs each
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary

Optional Extras:

  • Wild rice mushrooms, or dried fruits for stuffing
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar for a hint of sweetness
  • For the Vegetables Optional Side:
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 cup baby potatoes halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

    Preheat the Oven:

    • Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Cornish Hen:

    • Rinse the hens inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
    • Rub olive oil evenly over the hens.
    • Combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture all over the hens, including the cavity.

    Optional Stuffing:

    • If using wild rice, mushrooms, or dried fruits, lightly stuff the cavity of each hen. Do not overfill.

    Arrange in the Baking Dish:

    • Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan.

    Add Vegetables (Optional):

    • Toss carrots and baby potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the hens in the pan.

    Roast the Hens:

    • Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
    • For a golden finish, baste the hens with pan drippings every 20 minutes.

    Optional Glaze:

    • During the last 10 minutes of cooking, drizzle a mixture of honey or sprinkle brown sugar over the hens for added caramelization.

    Rest and Serve:

    • Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables or your choice of sides.

    Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

    • Calories: 630
    • Protein: 45g
    • Fat: 38g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Carbohydrates: 10g
    • Sugars: 4g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Sodium: 920mg

    Notes

    Tips for the Best Cornish Hen
    Make Ahead: Season the hens up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
    Store covered in the refrigerator.
    Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure perfectly cooked hens by checking the internal temperature.
    Experiment with Stuffing: Try quinoa, apples, or chopped nuts for a unique twist.
    Crispier Skin: Finish with a few minutes under the broiler for extra crispy skin.
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