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Cornish Hens

This roasted Cornish hens recipe features tender meat, crispy golden-brown skin, and aromatic herbs and garlic for an impressive main course.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 Cornish hens about 1.5 pounds each
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 lemon halved
  • ½ cup chicken broth

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Kitchen twine
  • Basting brush
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Remove any giblets from the hens and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the outside of each hen with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stuff the cavities with minced garlic and lemon halves.
  5. Tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine.
  6. Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan.
  7. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan and roast for 1 hour, basting with pan juices halfway through.
  8. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing.

Notes

Let the hens rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to keep juices intact.