Oven Roasted Cornish Hens
This recipe is proof that food doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated to be delicious. One of my favorite ways to do Cornish Hens is to rub them down with minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper and fresh lime juice; the hens end up with a deep, intense flavor this way. They’re even better on the grill when they’re prepared like this; the grill amps up the flavor even more. But the easiest way to cook Cornish Hens, of course, is just to roast them in the oven with a bit of good oil and some salt and pepper. If you’re not afraid of using real butter, it will add a bit of richness to your hens and also aid in the browning process.
I like to halve my hens before roasting; they cook more evenly this way and brown up a bit nicer. To cut a hen in half, simply cut along the backbone on both sides with a very sharp knife and remove it. Then press down on the hen to flatten it and cook it just so – you may also hear this preparation called butterflied or spatchcocked, depending on where you live, but it all basically means the same thing. The hens will cook more evenly this way. Finally, cut the hen down the center of the breastbone. This is usually the best way to serve them as they’re a nice serving size and it’s also the easiest way to eat them.
Easy Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
- 2 Cornish Hens, fully thawed if frozen. Be sure to check for any giblets stuffed into the cavities and remove them – these, along with the removed backbone, are great for stocks, gravies and other things, if you’re so inclined…I hate for anything to go to waste.
- 2 tablespoons good oil, such as olive or grapeseed; even canola will be fine. Or go crazy and use real butter – even a tablespoon of butter will help with browning and add a richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 350°
- Prepare the hens as directed above, cutting them in half. Rub down with oil (or butter), salt and pepper.
- Place in shallow roasting pan and roast for approximately 45-50 minutes
- A few times during roasting time, spoon or baste hens with rendered fat from the bottom of the pan
- If hens need a bit of help with browning, place pan with hens under broiler for an additional 5 minutes
That’s it…that’s all there is to it! I served mine on a bed of baby spinach for a light dinner. Sometimes it’s good to remember to not over-think your food – simpler really can be better.
Enjoy!
beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Reblogged this on stevehi and commented:
Great recipes can be found here .
Food and love go together
family and friends
the emotions and ties run deep
rivers of smiles
run across the tables
where we eat
blessed memories
Such amazing prose for a simple, but delicious recipe. Thank you so much!
I think simple recipes really let the flavors shine through. Your rub with the cumin, red pepper and cinnamon spices sounds like it would be wonderful as well.
Thanks! One day I’ll post that recipe…it’s really one of my favorites!
I’m looking forward to it. By that time, we should be up at our summer cottage in Maine where I do lots of grilling.
Oh, that sounds so nice right now!
Reblogged this on PhoPort.
Thanks for re-blogging this Jerry – that’s so nice of you!
And you are very welcome lola. 😉
That looks both delicious and healthy – a rare thing indeed!
Thank you!
Congratulations! 🙂
Thank you!
A recipe that really gets the juices going. The aroma is already emanating from the images. Have a great week Lesley
Thanks James and you too!
Your blog makes me wish I could cook more than just tuna melts (and I have been known to ruin those). Your pictures are beautiful!
Thank you and believe me, I’ve ruined a tuna melt or two in my day!
Hahaha! Whew! That makes me feel a little better!
Lesley – when you have a chance, check out my post from February – entitled “The Kitchen” – you should get a laugh or two out of it! 🙂
I just found it on your site! (Adding a “search” widget to your blog would have made my life much easier, I must admit! lol) Cannot wait to read it….after dinner! Thank you so much!
Oh I LOVE Cornish game hens! I usually don’t quarter them though but I hear this is THE way to do it 🙂 My mouth is watering now!
We’re big Cornish game hen fans – they’re so yummy! Thank you!