Description
Juicy and crispy roasted Cornish hens are the star of any dinner table. This recipe transforms these petite birds into a flavorful masterpiece that’s both impressive and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite spices (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, paprika)
- Lemon slices and fresh herbs (optional) for stuffing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Rub olive oil over the hens.
- If desired, place lemon slices and fresh herbs inside the cavity for added flavor.
- Place the hens in a roasting pan and bake in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1 hour.
- Let the hens rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve alongside your choice of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, ensure the hens are thoroughly dried before seasoning. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg