Cornish Hen Recipes: A Guide to Delicious and Easy Meals
Cornish hens are small, tender chickens that are perfect for a quick and easy meal. They're incredibly versatile, lending themselves to a wide range of flavors and cooking methods. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with several delicious Cornish hen recipes to tantalize your taste buds. Let's dive into some mouthwatering options!
Simple Roasted Cornish Hens
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's easy, fast, and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens
- 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
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the Cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the mixture all over the Cornish hens, inside and out.
- Stuff each hen with a lemon quarter.
- Place the hens in a baking dish and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Hens
Elevate your Cornish hen game with this flavorful recipe bursting with fresh herbs and zesty lemon.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse and pat dry the Cornish hens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the Cornish hens.
- Stuff the cavity of each hen with lemon slices.
- Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Spicy Honey Garlic Cornish Hens
Looking for a flavor explosion? This recipe delivers!
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil.
- Brush the mixture generously over the Cornish hens.
- Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips for Perfect Cornish Hens:
- Brining: For extra juicy Cornish hens, brine them for a few hours before cooking.
- Stuffing: Experiment with different stuffing options like wild rice, herbs, or sausage.
- Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked through.
- Resting: Let the Cornish hens rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create your own unique Cornish hen recipes. Enjoy!
