basic cornish game hen recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic cornish game hen recipe

I’ve been making Cornish game hens for years, and they’re still one of my family’s favorite meals. There’s something special about these little birds that just makes them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I love how they’re so easy to prepare and cook, yet they feel like a fancy restaurant meal.

The key to making them delicious is in the cooking technique – it’s all about achieving that perfect crispy skin and juicy meat. My kids love helping me prep the hens, and they’re always so excited to see them come out of the oven looking all golden and delicious. And let’s not forget the health benefits – Cornish game hens are relatively low in fat and calories compared to other poultry options.

They’re also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. I always make sure to serve them with some roasted vegetables or a salad on the side to round out the meal. My family just loves when I make Cornish game hens for dinner – it’s always a hit!

I think it’s because they’re just so easy to customize with different seasonings and sauces. We like to use herbs like thyme and rosemary, but you can also try using lemon pepper or garlic powder for a different flavor. Whatever you choose, these little hens are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

And don’t even get me started on how easy they are to store and reheat – just pop them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook them again. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, Cornish game hens are definitely worth trying.

Basic Cornish Game Hen

Basic Cornish Game Hen

4.6 from 1090 votes

A simple and elegant roasted Cornish game hen with crispy skin and tender meat. This recipe uses basic seasonings to highlight the natural flavor of the bird.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Hen

2 Cornish game hens (about 1.5 lbs each), thawed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lemon, halved

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2Remove the giblets from the hens and pat the hens dry with paper towels.
3Rub the hens all over with olive oil.
4In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
5Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the hens, including inside the cavities.
6Place one lemon half inside each hen cavity.
7Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
8Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan.
9Roast for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F.
10Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before serving.
11The juices will redistribute, ensuring moist meat.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan
Small bowl
Kitchen shears
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 170mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage under the skin before roasting. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent the hens with foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Watch Video Of How Basic Cornish Game Hen Works

I always recommend serving leftover Cornish game hens chilled or at room temperature for added flavor. If you want to get fancy, try serving them on a platter with garnishes like fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds.

Another great idea is to use leftover meat in salads or wraps – it adds so much flavor without adding extra calories! My family loves when I make Cornish game hens because they’re just so versatile – whether we eat them as is or add our own favorite toppings, we always enjoy them together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Cornish Game Hen

Q: What is a Cornish game hen?

A: A Cornish game hen is a small capon, typically weighing between 1-2 pounds, originating from Cornwall in England.

Q: What does a Cornish game hen taste like?

A: The flavor of a Cornish game hen is often described as rich and savory, with notes of herbs and spices.

Q: How do I cook a Cornish game hen?

A: To cook a Cornish game hen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and season the hen with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.

Q: Can I serve Cornish game hen at room temperature?

A: While it’s technically possible to serve a Cornish game hen at room temperature, it’s generally recommended to serve it hot from the oven for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: Are Cornish game hens suitable for vegetarians?

A: No, Cornish game hens are not suitable for vegetarians as they are derived from poultry.

Q: Can I reheat leftover Cornish game hen?

A: Yes, leftover Cornish game hen can be safely reheated in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

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