brine cornish hens recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
brine cornish hens recipe
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The Best brine cornish hens recipe

I’m so excited to share this brine cornish hens recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The cornish hens are so tender and juicy, and the brine makes them simply delicious.

I love that this recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please. The best part is that it’s incredibly healthy too – the brine helps to preserve the meat while also adding flavor.

My family and I have been enjoying this recipe for years, and we just can’t get enough of it! One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve the hens as is, or with a side of your favorite vegetables or grains. It’s also a great way to get some extra nutrients into your diet – the brine is packed with vitamins and minerals that will help keep you healthy all year round.

I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of meat, but there’s something special about the way the cornish hens soak up the flavors of the brine. They’re just so tender and delicious, and I know you’ll love them just as much as we do! So go ahead, give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

It’s one of my favorite recipes, and I’m so excited to share it with you all.

Brined Cornish Hens with Herb Butter

Brined Cornish Hens with Herb Butter

4.6 from 688 votes

These Cornish hens are soaked in a flavorful salt and sugar brine, which keeps the meat incredibly juicy and tender. Roasted with a fragrant herb butter, they develop a beautiful golden skin and make an impressive centerpiece for any meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 15 mins (includes brining time)
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

4 cups water
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 lemon, sliced
4 cups ice water

For the Hens

2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 pounds each), giblets removed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, honey, peppercorns, thyme, bay leaves, and lemon slices.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
3Remove from heat and add the 4 cups of ice water to cool the brine completely.
4Place the Cornish hens in a large container or a large resealable plastic bag.
5Pour the cooled brine over the hens, ensuring they are fully submerged.
6Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor.
7Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
8Remove the hens from the brine and pat them completely dry with paper towels, inside and out.
9Discard the brine and place the hens on a rack set inside a roasting pan.
10In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
11Mix until well blended.
12Gently loosen the skin over the breast of each hen and rub about half of the herb butter directly under the skin.
13Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the hens.
14Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to promote even cooking.
15Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
16Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
17The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).
18If the skin is browning too quickly, tent the hens loosely with aluminum foil.
19Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes on a cutting board.
20This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
21Carve and serve hot with your favorite sides.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or container for brining
Roasting pan with rack
Small bowl
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Kitchen twine
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 1450mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

Brining time is not included in the prep time. Do not brine for more than 4 hours or the meat can become too salty. For extra crispiness, you can air-dry the hens in the refrigerator for an hour after patting them dry. Any leftover herb butter can be melted and brushed over the cooked hens for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Brined Cornish Hens with Herb Butter Works

This brine cornish hens recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight meal. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time.

You can serve it as is or with your favorite sides – my family loves when I serve it with roasted vegetables or quinoa. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – even after several days in storage, these cornish hens still taste like they were freshly made.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brined Cornish Hens with Herb Butter

Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

For this brine cornish hens recipe, you can use either fresh or frozen cornish hens. If you’re using frozen hens, make sure to thaw them completely before proceeding with the recipe.

Q: How long should I soak the cornish hens in the brine?

You should soak the cornish hens in the brine for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

Q: Can I adjust the amount of spices in the brine?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of spices in the brine to suit your personal taste preferences.

Q: Is it necessary to use a large container for soaking the cornish hens?

No, you can use a large bowl or even a zip-top plastic bag if you don’t have a large container.

Q: Can I store leftover cornish hens in an airtight container?

No, you should store leftover cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.

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