Cornish Hen Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Cornish Hen Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide

Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that will impress your friends and family? Look no further than this Cornish hen recipe! Cornish hens, also known as squab chickens, are small, tender birds that are perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. They're incredibly versatile, lending themselves to a variety of flavors and cooking methods. This recipe offers a simple yet elegant approach to preparing these delightful birds.

What You'll Need:

This recipe is designed for two Cornish hens, easily scalable for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish hens (about 1 pound each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 lemon, sliced

Equipment:

• Roasting pan
• Small bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Here's how to prepare your delicious Cornish hens:

Step 1: Prepare the Hens

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the Cornish hens thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Remove the giblets from the cavity of the hens (if included).

Step 2: Marinate (Optional, but Recommended)

For extra juicy and flavorful hens, consider marinating them for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Simply combine the olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture generously all over the hens, both inside and out.

Step 3: Roast the Hens

1. Place the Cornish hens in a roasting pan.
2. Pour the chicken broth and white wine (if using) into the bottom of the roasting pan.
3. Stuff each hen with a few slices of lemon.
4. 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.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• For extra crispy skin: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Add vegetables: Roast alongside root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions for a complete meal.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as sage, oregano, or garlic powder.
• Citrus variations: Use orange or grapefruit juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

Cornish hens are versatile and pair well with various side dishes. Consider serving them with:

• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Green beans
• A simple salad

This Cornish hen recipe is a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy!