Description
This Cornish hen features an irresistible flavor with simple prep, using fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick dinner or comfort food night.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (1½ to 2 pounds each) cornish hens, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 thin slices
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 onion, cut into quarters
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 lemon, cut into slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ tablespoon italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Arrange rosemary, thyme, onion, garlic, and lemon slices on a baking sheet.
- Pat the Cornish hens dry and lift the skin to place 2 slices of butter under each hen's skin, atop each breast.
- In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Rub this mixture on the Cornish hens.
- Place the hens on the baking sheet over the lemon and aromatics. Drizzle with olive oil and tuck the wings under the hens. Optionally, tie the legs with twine.
- Lower the oven temperature to 400˚F and roast the hens for 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
Using fresh herbs enhances the flavor of the dish.
Make sure to rest the hens; this helps the juices redistribute for tender meat.
Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 98g
- Cholesterol: 190mg