Description
Deliciously seasoned Cornish hens roasted to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 Cornish hens
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground rosemary
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Drizzle olive oil all over the Cornish hens, then sprinkle your spice mix like you mean it. Rub it in on both sides. Nobody likes a bland bird. Add a little more seasoning if you think they need it.
- Place your seasoned hens in a roasting pan or baking dish, giving them a little breathing room so they roast instead of steam.
- Pour chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan (around the hens, not on top of them) to keep them juicy while they cook. Don’t mess up that pretty seasoning rub.
- Roast the hens for 45–60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer hits 165°F in the thickest part. Skin should be golden and crisp, meat tender and juicy.
- Take them out and let them chill for a few minutes before cutting in. That quick rest lets the juices settle so every bite is flavorful and moist.
Notes
- Ensure the hens are thoroughly seasoned for best flavor.
- Letting the hens rest after cooking enhances juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg