Roasted Cornish Hen – This Roasted Cornish Hen recipe is perfect for a cozy and intimate dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your guests with this flavorful and juicy dish. The lemon, garlic, paprika, and rosemary blend together beautifully to create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
This Roasted Cornish Hen recipe holds a special place in my heart as it has become a family favorite over the years. My husband loves it so much that he always requests it for his birthday dinner. I remember the first time I made it, I was nervous about trying a new recipe, but it turned out to be a huge success. Now, it has become a staple in our household, and we love to share it with our friends and family.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try?
Satisfy your taste buds with this delectable Roasted Cornish Hen recipe. This dish is bursting with flavors from the lemon, garlic, paprika, and rosemary. It’s easy to make and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, Cornish hens are smaller in size than regular chickens, making them a perfect portion for a single serving. Impress your guests with this mouth-watering recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Roasted Cornish Hen Ingredients:
- 1 Cornish hen (approx. 600g or 1.3 lbs.)
- ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 5 garlic cloves
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Rub the Cornish hen with lemon and then season it generously with salt and pepper, making sure to cover every inch of the skin.
Sprinkle paprika all over the Cornish hen followed by a little bit of rosemary.
Place the lemon in the cavity of the Cornish hen with the cloves of garlic.
Roast the Cornish hen in a roasting pan for 25 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Baste the meat often with the juices from the pan and continue roasting for an additional 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe point for poultry.
Let the Cornish hen rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes:
- To achieve crispy skin, pat the hen dry before seasoning and roasting.
- If you want to add some variety to the flavors, try using different herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or cumin.
- For a healthier version, you can remove the skin before cooking, but it may result in less tender meat.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
In conclusion, this Roasted Cornish Hen recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or even a regular weeknight dinner. The combination of lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper gives the hen a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. The cooking process is easy and straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks or busy households. The final result is a juicy and tender Cornish hen that will impress your guests and satisfy your hunger. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
FAQs
What temperature should the Cornish hen reach before it is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) before it is safe to eat.
How long should I let the Cornish hen rest before serving?
Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.
Can I use a regular chicken instead of a Cornish hen?
Yes, you can use a regular chicken, but the cooking time will be longer, and the flavor may be different.
What should I serve with the Roasted Cornish Hen?
You can serve it with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
Can I marinate the Cornish hen before cooking?
Yes, you can marinate the Cornish hen for a few hours before cooking to add more flavor to the meat.
Roasted Cornish Hen
Ingredients
- 1 Cornish hen approx. 600g or 1.3 lbs.
- ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 5 garlic cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Rub the Cornish hen with lemon and then season it generously with salt and pepper, making sure to cover every inch of the skin.
- Sprinkle paprika all over the Cornish hen followed by a little bit of rosemary.
- Place the lemon in the cavity of the Cornish hen with the cloves of garlic.
- Roast the Cornish hen in a roasting pan for 25 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Baste the meat often with the juices from the pan and continue roasting for an additional 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a safe point for poultry.
- Let the Cornish hen rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
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