brined cornish game hen recipe

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

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite brined Cornish game hen recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one of your family’s favorites too.

The idea of brining a small bird may seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the result is absolutely worth the effort. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe is simply amazing.

The Cornish game hen is so tender and juicy, with a crispy skin that’s infused with the savory flavors of the brine. My kids love helping me prepare this dish, as they get to participate in the fun process of marinating and cooking the hen.

We like to serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a well-rounded meal that everyone enjoys. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we’ve served it on special occasions like holidays and birthdays, as well as on weeknights when we need a comforting meal.

The health benefits of this recipe are also a major draw for me – the brine helps preserve the hen, making it easy to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use. Plus, the flavors in this recipe are all-natural, without any added preservatives or artificial flavorings.

Overall, this brined Cornish game hen recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to elevate their mealtime routine. I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as we do!

Brined Cornish Game Hen

4.5 from 1258 votes

This recipe yields tender, juicy Cornish game hens with crisp golden skin. The brine infuses the meat with flavor and ensures it stays moist during roasting.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins (plus 4-6 hrs brining)
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

4 cups water
1/4 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 lemon, sliced

For the Hens

4 Cornish game hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 cloves garlic, halved

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine 4 cups water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 smashed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, 2 sprigs rosemary, and lemon slices.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
3Remove from heat and add 4 cups cold water to cool the brine completely.
4Place the Cornish game hens in a large container or brining bag.
5Pour the cooled brine over the hens, ensuring they are fully submerged.
6Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, but no longer to avoid over-salting.
7Preheat your oven to 425°F.
8Remove hens from brine, rinse them under cold water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
9This step is crucial for crispy skin.
10Rub each hen with olive oil, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
11Place a thyme sprig and two garlic halves inside each cavity.
12Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
13Arrange the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan, spacing them evenly.
14Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
15Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or container for brining
Roasting pan
Meat thermometer
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the brine. If you prefer a more intense herb flavor, rub minced fresh rosemary and thyme under the skin before roasting.

This brined Cornish game hen recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will become one of your family’s favorites too. We love serving it on special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but it’s also perfect for weeknight meals when we need something comforting and delicious.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it can be stored and reheated – simply refrigerate or freeze any leftovers after cooking and reheat them whenever needed. You can also serve this dish at room temperature if you prefer – just be sure to let it sit out for at least 30 minutes before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brined Cornish Game Hen

Q: What is a Cornish game hen?

A: A Cornish game hen is a small chicken-like bird that’s typically around 1-2 pounds in weight. It’s often referred to as a ‘miniature’ chicken due to its compact size.

Q: Can I use regular chicken instead of a Cornish game hen?

A: While you can use regular chicken in place of a Cornish game hen, keep in mind that the cooking time will be significantly longer – around 45 minutes to an hour per pound.

Q: How long does it take to brine the Cornish game hen?

A: The brining process typically takes around 2-3 hours, but you can also do it overnight in the fridge for even more intense flavor penetration.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can marinate the Cornish game hen for several hours or even overnight before cooking it – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

A: This recipe is gluten-free and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs by using gluten-free seasonings and adjusting the amount of salt used in the brine.

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