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Southern Cornish Hen Recipe

Easy to Make Southern Cornish Hen Recipe: A Dinner Twist

Looking to spice up your dinner with a Southern flair? Our Southern Cornish Hen Recipe is the perfect choice! These tender and juicy Cornish hens are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices that will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 332kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Basting brush
  • Kitchen Twine
  • Digital Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 2 Cornish hens whole
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 onion large
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 lemon large
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp red chili flakes

Instructions

  • Season the Hens: In a small mixing bowl, combine your dry rub ingredients. Pat the Cornish hens dry with a paper towel, then generously rub the seasoning mixture all over the hens, including inside the cavity.
  • Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, scatter the chopped onions, rosemary, and thyme. These will create a flavorful base for your hens.
  • Prepare the Hens for Baking: Lightly coat the hens with olive oil and place them on top of the veggies. Gently loosen the skin of the hens by running your fingers underneath it.
  • Add Butter: Place a small pat of butter under the skin of each hen. This will help the meat stay juicy and flavorful as it roast
  • Place the chickens in the baking pan on top of the herbs and onions.
  • Drizzle the butter over the chickens.
  • Place the baking pan in a preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer placed into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.
  • Tie the Legs: Use kitchen twine or aluminum foil to tie the legs of the hens together. This helps the hens roast evenly and retain moisture.
  • Roast the Hens: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F. Make sure to baste the hens with the butter mixture every 15 minutes to keep them moist.
  • Rest the Hens: After baking, let the hens rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures your hens stay tender.

Tips

  • Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Make sure every part of the hen is well-coated with the spice mix.
  • Let it Marinate: If you have time, let the hens marinate in the seasoning for 30-60 minutes before baking. This enhances the flavor.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or even some lemon slices for added flavor.
  • Baste Often: Basting the hens regularly with the butter mixture helps keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor.
  • Use a Thermometer: For perfect results, invest in a quick-read digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of your hens. This will help you avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy to Make Southern Cornish Hen Recipe: A Dinner Twist
Amount per Serving
Calories
332
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Cholesterol
 
151
mg
50
%
Sodium
 
557
mg
24
%
Potassium
 
325
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
26
g
52
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
29
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.