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–+ servings
Roasted Cornish Hens

Savory Roasted Cornish Hens for a Romantic Dinner Delight

Experience the elegance of Roasted Cornish Hens, a flavorful dish perfect for romantic dinners or festivities.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 1.5 lbs Cornish Hens About; perfect for individual servings
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to spice preference
For the Flavor Base
  • 2 stalks Rosemary Fresh, chopped
  • 2 stalks Thyme Fresh, chopped
  • 1 medium Onion Sliced
  • 4 cloves Garlic Whole
For the Zest
  • 1 medium Lemon Sliced
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Blend of herbs
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika For color and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Concentrated garlic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional, for heat

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • instant-read thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and season inside and out with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gather your roasting pan and arrange your herbs, garlic, onions, and half of the lemon slices for the base.
  3. Spread out the chopped rosemary, thyme, whole garlic cloves, sliced onion, and remaining lemon slices in the roasting pan.
  4. Position the seasoned Cornish hens on top of the aromatics in the roasting pan, breast side up. Drizzle olive oil over the hens.
  5. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Ensure your Cornish hens are patted dry for maximum crispiness. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.

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