This oven-roasted Cornish game hen recipe is a simple yet flavorful main dish that results in juicy, succulent meat with crispy, golden skin. The combination of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme elevates the dish, making it perfect for any occasion.
With minimal preparation and easy cooking steps, you can create a delightful meal that impresses. The hens are seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika and Italian seasoning, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Preparing the Cornish Game Hens
To create a memorable meal, start with the preparation of the Cornish game hens. These small, whole birds are perfect for roasting, offering a delightful combination of juicy meat and crispy skin.
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that golden-brown exterior. Pat the hens dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully during baking.
Next, place the hens on a parchment-lined baking sheet, which will make cleanup a breeze. This simple step is crucial for a successful roast, allowing the hens to cook evenly while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the spice rub.
Creating the Flavorful Spice Rub
The key to a succulent Cornish hen lies in a well-balanced spice rub. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This blend of spices will infuse the meat with rich flavors.
Gently lift the skin of each hen and rub the spice mixture underneath, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t forget to coat the outside of the hens as well. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an added zing, and place lemon halves inside the cavity along with quartered onion for extra moisture and aroma.
Baking to Perfection
With the hens seasoned, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes. The goal is to achieve a crispy skin while ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender.
Halfway through the cooking time, baste the hens with the pan juices. This step helps maintain moisture and enhances the flavor, resulting in a truly delicious main dish.
Serving Suggestions
Once the hens are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent.
Carve the hens and serve them alongside colorful side dishes. Roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement the rich flavors of the poultry beautifully.
Cooking Time and Nutritional Information
This oven-roasted Cornish game hen recipe is not only easy to prepare but also time-efficient. With a total prep and cook time of about 75 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Each serving offers approximately 450 calories, with 30g of fat and 35g of protein, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. The combination of herbs, spices, and the natural flavors of the hen creates a dish that is both hearty and wholesome.
Easy Oven-Roasted Cornish Game Hens
This recipe features whole Cornish hens roasted to perfection in the oven. Each hen is coated with a dry rub of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then baked until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The cooking time is about 1 hour, and it serves 2 people.
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens (about 1.5 pounds each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Parchment paper for baking sheet
Instructions
- Prep the Hens: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning until well blended.
- Season the Hens: Gently lift the skin of each hen and rub the spice mixture underneath, ensuring to coat the meat thoroughly. Rub the remaining mixture on the outside of the hens. Squeeze lemon juice over the hens and place the lemon halves inside the cavity along with the quartered onion.
- Bake: Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with pan juices halfway through cooking for extra moisture.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Carve and serve with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Final Thoughts on Roasting Cornish Game Hens
Roasting Cornish game hens is a straightforward yet rewarding culinary experience. The blend of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs elevates this dish, making it a standout main course.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. With minimal preparation and easy cooking steps, you can create a flavorful and inviting meal that everyone will love.
This recipe is part of my 39 Simple Valentine’s Day Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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