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Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Succulent roasted Cornish hens seasoned with herbs and garlic, roasted to golden perfection in the oven for a delicious and elegant meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
  4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the hens, including inside the cavities.
  5. Stuff each hen with 2 lemon quarters, 2 sprigs of rosemary, and 2 sprigs of thyme.
  6. Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
  7. Brush the melted butter over the hens.
  8. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
  • You can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes around the hens for a one-pan meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 hen
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg