Cornish Hen Recipe

Cornish Hen Recipe

70 min
4 servings

This Cornish Hen Recipe is coated in a garlic and herb rub and roasted until golden brown for the perfect main entrée for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 thawed Cornish Hens
  • 1 finely grated garlic clove
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon regular paprika
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons coarse salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425°.

  2. 2

    Pat the hens dry inside the cavity and on the outside with paper towels. Set them aside.

  3. 3

    In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and oil until combined.

  4. 4

    Evenly divide the garlic and herb rub between the hens and coat them on all sides and in the cavity.

  5. 5

    Tuck the wings behind the hen and tie the drums together using butcher’s twine.

  6. 6

    Transfer them to a roasting pan on a rack, and using a spatula scrape all the remaining herb and garlic oil rub onto the top of the hens.

  7. 7

    Bake in the oven on a lower rack at 425° for 50-60 minutes or until the thickest part of the breast reads 163° to 165°.

  8. 8

    Remove the game hens and rest for 2 to 3 minutes.

  9. 9

    Cut the hens in half along with the spice, or serve them whole with optional garnishes of lemons, fresh rosemary, and thyme.