Roasted Cornish Hen – Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our succulent Roasted Cornish Hen recipe. This delectable dish will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its tender meat, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a medley of spices, this recipe is a true feast for the senses. Discover the magic of a perfectly roasted Cornish hen that will elevate your dining experience to new heights. Don’t miss out on this culinary masterpiece—try it today!
In our little family, the Roasted Cornish Hen has become an absolute favorite. I remember the first time I prepared this dish for my husband—it was a celebration of flavors and an instant hit. As the tantalizing aroma filled our home, anticipation grew, and we couldn’t wait to savor the results of our culinary adventure. From that moment on, the Roasted Cornish Hen has held a special place in our hearts and on our dining table. It has become our go-to recipe for special occasions, and even on ordinary days, we find joy in relishing this delightful dish together.
Why This Recipe Shines?
- Perfectly Roasted Hen: Our recipe ensures that the Cornish hen is cooked to perfection, with a crisp, golden skin and juicy, succulent meat that will leave you wanting more.
- Zesty Lemon Twist: The subtle tanginess of fresh lemon adds a refreshing zing to the dish, enhancing its flavors and providing a delightful contrast to the savory notes.
- Aromatic Garlic Infusion: The cloves of garlic, nestled within the cavity of the hen, infuse their aromatic essence into the meat, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate.
- Spice Up Your Life: A blend of sea salt, ground pepper, paprika, and rosemary adds layers of complexity to the dish, elevating it to new heights of culinary excellence.
- Easy and Impressive: Impress your guests with this sophisticated dish that is surprisingly simple to prepare. With minimal effort, you can achieve a stunning and delicious centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cornish Hen (approx. 450g / 1 lb.)
- 1/2 lemon
- 5 garlic cloves
- Sea salt
- Ground pepper
- Paprika
- Dried or fresh rosemary
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Begin by rubbing the Cornish hen with the juice of half a lemon, ensuring it is coated evenly.
Generously sprinkle sea salt and ground pepper all over the skin, making sure to cover every inch of the hen.
Sprinkle a generous amount of paprika over the Cornish hen, allowing its vibrant color to enhance the presentation.
Add a touch of dried or fresh rosemary, allowing its fragrant aroma to infuse the meat.
Place the lemon halves and the garlic cloves inside the cavity of the Cornish hen, allowing them to impart their flavors during roasting.
Carefully place the seasoned Cornish hen in a roasting pan and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Roast the hen for approximately 25 minutes, until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Baste the hen regularly with the pan juices to ensure a moist and flavorful result. Continue roasting for an additional 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the hen reads a safe temperature for poultry.
Once cooked, remove the Cornish hen from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle.
Finally, carve the hen and serve it with the pan juices for an added burst of flavor.
Notes:
- For a twist on the traditional recipe, try experimenting with different spices or herbs according to your taste preferences.
- If you desire a more intense lemon flavor, you can squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon half over the hen just before serving.
- To ensure food safety, make sure the internal temperature of the Cornish hen reaches a safe point for poultry (165 degrees F or 74 degrees C).
- This recipe serves one Cornish hen, but you can easily adjust the quantities to accommodate more guests.
Indulging in the succulent Roasted Cornish Hen is not just a meal—it’s an experience. From the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen to the first bite that melts in your mouth, this recipe takes your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a medley of spices creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply treating yourself to a gourmet delight, this dish will impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates. So, gather your loved ones, create cherished memories, and let the Roasted Cornish Hen take center stage on your table. Elevate your culinary repertoire and savor every delectable moment with this remarkable recipe.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken instead of a Cornish hen?
Yes, you can substitute a Cornish hen with a small chicken. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so it’s essential to adjust accordingly to ensure it is fully cooked.
What can I serve with the Roasted Cornish Hen?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed greens, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different accompaniments to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
While the Cornish hen is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can marinate it in the seasoning mixture a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavors. Keep it refrigerated until ready to roast.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional seasonings or ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
Roasted Cornish Hen
Ingredients
- 1 Cornish Hen approx. 450g / 1 lb.
- 1/2 lemon
- 5 garlic cloves
- Sea salt
- Ground pepper
- Paprika
- Dried or fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Begin by rubbing the Cornish hen with the juice of half a lemon, ensuring it is coated evenly.
- Generously sprinkle sea salt and ground pepper all over the skin, making sure to cover every inch of the hen.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of paprika over the Cornish hen, allowing its vibrant color to enhance the presentation.
- Add a touch of dried or fresh rosemary, allowing its fragrant aroma to infuse the meat.
- Place the lemon halves and the garlic cloves inside the cavity of the Cornish hen, allowing them to impart their flavors during roasting.
- Carefully place the seasoned Cornish hen in a roasting pan and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Roast the hen for approximately 25 minutes, until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Baste the hen regularly with the pan juices to ensure a moist and flavorful result. Continue roasting for an additional 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the hen reads a safe temperature for poultry.
- Once cooked, remove the Cornish hen from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle.
- Finally, carve the hen and serve it with the pan juices for an added burst of flavor.
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