French Roasted Cornish Hen
This recipe is perfect for a single-serving meal and can easily be adapted for a larger group by multiplying the ingredients accordingly. Enjoy your elegant and delectable roasted Cornish hen!
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 623kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Cornish hen 1 to 1.25 pounds, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 lemon halved
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ carrot sliced
- 1 red potatoes quartered
Dry Rub
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the hen and remove any giblets and trim any excess fat from the hen. Pat it dry with paper towels.1 Cornish hen
- In a small bowl, combine the dry rub ingredients. Rub the hen with olive oil or melted butter, then generously apply the dry rub, making sure to coat inside the cavity as well.1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Place the lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and minced garlic inside the cavity of the hen.1 lemon, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 cloves garlic, 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- (Optional): You may choose to truss the hen by tying the legs together with kitchen twine. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Place the hen breast-side up in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Arrange the carrots and potatoes around the hen. Roast for approximately 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F at the thickest part of the thigh.½ carrot, 1 red potatoes
- Remove the hen from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Proper Preparation and Seasoning: Thoroughly clean the Cornish hens before cooking. Remove any giblets from the cavity and rinse the hens under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. For the best flavor, season them both inside and out. You can use a variety of herbs and spices according to your taste preferences. . For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the hens or using a dry rub a few hours before cooking.
- Cooking Technique and Temperature: Cornish hens can be roasted, grilled, or even cooked in a slow cooker. Regardless of the method, it's crucial to cook them at the right temperature. When roasting, preheat your oven to around 375°F (190°C) and cook the hens until they reach an internal temperature of 180°F . This ensures they are cooked through without being dry. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Resting Time: Just like with other poultry, it's important to let Cornish hens rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your hens will be moist and flavorful when you cut into them. A good rule of thumb is to let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1hen | Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 171mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g
