Roasted Cornish Hen

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This roasted Cornish hen recipe or “recreation hens” is easy to arrange, scrumptious, and as straightforward as it’s elegant.

This recipe comes collectively in only one dish for straightforward cleanup.
Cornish recreation hens come out tender and juicy with crisp pores and skin.
The juices from the sport hens taste the veggies for a comfy, scrumptious meal.
This recipe appears gourmand, however it’s as straightforward as may very well be!

vegetables in a dish and hen on a plate to make Roasted Cornish Hen

What You’ll Want for This Cornish Hen Recipe

Cornish Hen: Cornish hens (aka recreation hens) are a breed of chickens that weigh about 1 ½ to 2 kilos versus a daily hen that weighs 4 or extra kilos. Cornish hens are totally matured at a smaller weight, and the meat is tremendous tender. You possibly can most frequently discover them on the grocery retailer within the freezer close to the frozen turkeys.

Rub: A easy combination of olive oil and herbs taste the pores and skin. Rosemary, lemon zest, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper create the proper savory style.

Greens: Potatoes, carrots, and onions are added to the pan. Prepare the veggies across the hens, and as soon as cooked, take away the hens and stir the veggies into all the scrumptious juices for additional taste!

Variations

Attempt tucking sprigs of contemporary rosemary, thyme, or oregano amongst the veggies, or rub the surface of the hen along with your favourite seasoning mix for an excellent savory pores and skin!

Chunks of zucchini, squash, brussels sprouts, or bell peppers will be added to the pan with the opposite veggies.

spreading olive oil mixutre to make Roasted Cornish Hen

The right way to Prepare dinner Cornish Hens

Brush the hens with oil and season. Tuck wings below the fowl and place them on a pan. Prepare greens across the cornish hens.
Bake, uncovered in line with recipe instructions under.
Take away hens from the oven and allow them to relaxation earlier than serving.

PRO TIP: Place the roasting pan below the broiler till the pores and skin turns golden brown and will get crispy!

Roasted Cornish Hen before cooking in a casserole dish

Suggestions for Excellent Cornish Hen

For finest outcomes, rub some salt into the cavity of the hens to attract extra moisture out whereas it roasts; this additionally helps season the meat just a little extra.
A number of sprigs of contemporary herbs or a slice of lemon will be added to the cavity as nicely.
If you happen to save bacon grease, this can be a good method to substitute bacon grease for the olive oil, including one other delicate layer of taste!
An important tip is to make sure that the hen is cooked to a juicy 165°F. I take away the hens from the oven at 160°F because the temperature will proceed to rise as they relaxation.

Elegant Sides to Pair with Cornish Hens

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Roasted Cornish hen is tender and juicy with a crispy, golden-brown pores and skin.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Prepare dinner Time 55 minutes

Relaxation Time 10 minutes

Complete Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Prepare dinner ModeForestall your display from going darkish

Preheat oven to 450°F.
If utilizing, toss the greens with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt & pepper to style. You possibly can add herbs if you would like.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and herbs. Brush hens with the olive oil combination. Twist wings to tuck below the fowl.
Place cornish hens in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Prepare the ready greens across the hens and place within the oven. Scale back warmth to 400°F.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or till the hens attain 165°F* with a thermometer. Make sure the thermometer doesn’t contact the bone.
Switch the hens to a serving plate and loosely tent with foil for 10 minutes.
Stir the greens into the juices on the pan. If wanted, you may place them again into the oven because the hens relaxation. If the greens are cooked to your liking, flip the oven off and place them within the oven to maintain heat.
Lower hens in half utilizing kitchen scissors and serve with the greens.

Cornish hens can vary in measurement from 1.5 to 2.25lbs. Cooking time can fluctuate barely primarily based on the dimensions of your hens.
Poultry ought to attain a last temperature of 165°F within the thickest a part of the meat with the thermometer not touching the bone. I take away the hens from the oven at 160°F as they may proceed to prepare dinner as they relaxation and can attain 165°F.

Diet info offered is an estimate and can fluctuate primarily based on cooking strategies and types of elements used.

Course Rooster, Dinner, Entree, Principal Course

Delicacies American

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