Cornish hen recipe is your ticket to a delightful culinary adventure! Imagine tender, juicy hens seasoned to perfection with a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and a hint of honey for that perfect touch of sweetness. Roasted to golden-brown perfection, each bite is a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and fluffy rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s not just dinner, but a celebration! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this charming dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
cornish hen recipe
Equipment
- 1 Roasting pan For placing the Cornish hen while roasting.
Ingredients
Poultry
- 2 Cornish hens Cornish hens Perfect for individual servings and easy to roast.
Fats
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Adds moisture and helps achieve a crispy skin.
Aromatics
- 4 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor and aroma; use fresh for the best taste.
- 1 lemon Lemon Brightens the flavor; use both zest and juice for maximum impact.
Herbs
- to taste Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) Elevate the dish with aromatic notes.
Seasonings
- to taste teaspoons Salt Essential for seasoning; enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- to taste teaspoons Black pepper Adds a subtle heat; freshly ground is best.
Vegetables
- 2 cups Vegetables (carrots and potatoes) Can roast alongside the hens for a complete meal.
Instructions
Preparation
- Get ready to create a mouthwatering Cornish hen that will impress everyone at your table!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the hen.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornish Hen
- Rinse the Cornish hen under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Season the Hen
- Rub olive oil all over the hen, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs inside and out.
Step 4: Stuff the Hen
- Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and garlic cloves for extra flavor.
Step 5: Place in Baking Dish
- Put the hen breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
Step 6: Roast the Hen
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Baste for Juiciness
- Every 20 minutes, baste the hen with its own juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 8: Let it Rest
- Once cooked, remove the hen from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Carve the hen and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Cornish Hen Recipe
- Perfectly juicy and tender every time!
- Easy to prepare, even for beginners.
- Impressive enough for special occasions.
- Versatile flavors to suit any palate.
- Leftovers make for delicious meals the next day!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 1 hour |
| Total Time: | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | With roasted vegetables |
Ingredients for Cornish Hen Recipe
- Cornish hens – perfect for individual servings and easy to roast.
- Olive oil – adds moisture and helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Garlic – enhances flavor and aroma; use fresh for the best taste.
- Fresh herbs – such as rosemary or thyme; they elevate the dish with aromatic notes.
- Lemon – brightens the flavor; use both zest and juice for maximum impact.
- Salt – essential for seasoning; enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper – adds a subtle heat; freshly ground is best.
- Vegetables – like carrots and potatoes; they can roast alongside the hens for a complete meal.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Cornish Hen Recipe
Get ready to create a mouthwatering Cornish hen that will impress everyone at your table!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the hen.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornish Hen
Rinse the Cornish hen under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Season the Hen
Rub olive oil all over the hen, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs inside and out.
Step 4: Stuff the Hen
Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and garlic cloves for extra flavor.
Step 5: Place in Baking Dish
Put the hen breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
Step 6: Roast the Hen
Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Baste for Juiciness
Every 20 minutes, baste the hen with its own juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 8: Let it Rest
Once cooked, remove the hen from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Carve the hen and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips for Making the Cornish Hen Recipe
• Always pat the Cornish hens dry before seasoning for a crispier skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
• Marinate the hens overnight for deeper flavor and juiciness.
• Consider using vegetable broth instead of wine for a rich, savory base.
• Let the hens rest for 10 minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
How to Serve Cornish Hen Recipe
- Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower.
- Top with a fresh herb chimichurri for a zesty kick.
- Accompany with a light citrus salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Offer a side of quinoa or wild rice for a hearty touch.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added sweetness and depth.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cornish hen leftovers fresh:
- Allow the hen to cool to room temperature.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage, follow these steps:
- Ensure the hen is completely cooled.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of dish.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers again:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil to retain moisture.
- Reheat for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
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FAQs
What is the best way to season a Cornish hen?
Seasoning is key! Use a mix of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. A little olive oil helps the spices stick and adds flavor.
How long should I cook a Cornish hen?
Cook your Cornish hen at 375°F for about 1 hour. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Can I stuff a Cornish hen?
Absolutely! Use a bread or rice stuffing. Just make sure it’s cooked separately or reaches the right temperature inside the hen.
What sides pair well with Cornish hen?
Great sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They complement the dish beautifully!
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