Cornish Game Hen Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Cornish game hens are a fantastic choice for a quick and flavorful meal. Their smaller size means faster cooking times and less cleanup, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe will guide you through cooking juicy, flavorful Cornish game hens that will impress your family and friends.
What You'll Need:
This recipe yields two servings. You can easily scale it up or down based on the number of guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 pound each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Small bowl
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Cornish hens cook evenly and achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Prepare the hens: Rinse the game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly.
Season and Stuff:
- Make the herb butter: (Optional, but highly recommended!) In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of softened butter with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and half of the rosemary and thyme.
- Season the hens: Rub the olive oil all over the Cornish hens. Then, generously season both inside and out with the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stuff the hens: Loosely stuff the cavity of each hen with lemon quarters and the remaining rosemary and thyme.
Roast to Perfection:
- Place in the roasting pan: Place the seasoned Cornish hens in the roasting pan. If you're using the optional herb butter, you can place a small pat of butter under the breast of each hen.
- Roast: Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your hens and your oven.
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Serving Suggestions:
Cornish game hens are incredibly versatile. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as:
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts roasted alongside the hens add color and flavor to your meal.
- Simple salad: A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the hens.
- Wild rice pilaf: This elegant side complements the savory flavors of the game hens.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the hens for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your hens are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
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