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Crispy Cornish Hen Recipe

Cornish hen recipe

This crispy Cornish hen recipe is comforting, flavorful, and simple to make. Perfect for a special dinner or cozy weekend meal!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Hens
  • 2 Cornish game hens about 1 ½ pounds each, thawed if frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for extra richness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds color and subtle smokiness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • For the Aromatics
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 lemon quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • Optional Glaze
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F. Place a roasting pan or baking dish on the counter, ready to go.
  • Prep the hens: Remove hens from packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
  • Season generously: Rub olive oil all over each hen. Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, then sprinkle evenly. Don’t forget inside the cavity!
  • Stuff with aromatics: Place a sprig of rosemary, thyme, a garlic clove, and a lemon wedge into each cavity. This infuses the hens with flavor as they roast.
  • Tie the legs (optional): Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. It helps the hens cook evenly and keeps the aromatics tucked inside.
  • Roast: Place hens breast-side up in the roasting pan. Roast for 50–60 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F.
  • Optional glaze: Mix honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Brush onto the hens during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a glossy, caramelized finish.
  • Rest before serving: Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest 10 minutes before carving. This keeps the juices locked in.

Notes

  • One Cornish hen typically serves one person, but with hearty sides, you can split one between two.
  • Don’t skip patting the hens dry with paper towels — it’s the secret to crispy skin.
  • Use a thermometer to check doneness: the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F.
  • Resting the hens for 10 minutes keeps the meat tender and juicy.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
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