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Crispy Cornish Hen

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πŸ— Enjoy perfectly roasted Cornish hens with irresistibly crispy skin and flavorful herb seasoning.
🌿 This recipe delivers a delicious, elegant main dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

– 2 whole Cornish hens (about 1 1/2 pounds or approximately 680 grams each)

– 2 sprigs of rosemary

– 4 sprigs of thyme

– 1 large onion, cut into quarters

– 6 cloves garlic

– 1 lemon, sliced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

– 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (preferably without added salt)

– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– ΒΌ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to preference)

Instructions

1-Getting started: Getting started with your crispy Cornish hen is easier than you might think, especially if you’re a beginner. First, preheat your oven to 425Β°F and line up all your ingredients to keep things smooth. This step helps avoid any last-minute rushes and lets you focus on the fun of cooking.

2-Preparation of hens: Next, pat the hens dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which is a simple trick for that golden, crispy skin. Apply the olive oil and dry rub evenly, making sure to cover every spot for maximum flavor. Stuff the cavity with the rosemary, thyme, onion quarters, garlic cloves, and lemon slices to infuse everything with aroma.

3-Roasting: Place the hens on a rack in a baking tray, breast-side up, for even cooking. Roast them for about 45-55 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165Β°F, giving you tender meat with a satisfying crunch. Once done, let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

4-Detailed Steps with Tips: 1. Preheat the oven and prepare your workspace for efficiency.
2. Dry and season the hens thoroughly for the best texture.
3. Add herbs and veggies inside for extra taste and keep an eye on the timer.
4. Rest the hens to make slicing easier and more enjoyable.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌿 For extra flavor, marinate hens overnight with dry rub before roasting.
πŸ”₯ To achieve even crispier skin, pat skin dry thoroughly and increase oven temperature for last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
πŸ‹ Adding fresh lemon slices inside the cavity enhances aroma and juiciness.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Resting time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg