How to Cook a Cornish Hen: Simple Recipes for Juicy and Flavorful Results

Introduction

Cornish hens are a delicious and versatile alternative to traditional chicken. They’re smaller and more tender while packing the same punch of flavor. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cooking a Cornish hen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, we’ve got you covered with simple, step-by-step recipes and cooking tips to achieve juicy and flavorful Cornish hens every time.

A Beginner’s Guide to Cooking Cornish Hens: Simple Recipes for Success

If you’re new to cooking Cornish hens, don’t worry. We’ve got the basics covered. When it comes to cooking Cornish hens, the preferred methods are roasting and grilling. For the best results, it’s important to know the cooking time for your specific hen. A general rule of thumb is to cook for 20-25 minutes per pound at 375°F.

Here are three simple recipes for beginners that will provide success every time:

1. Classic Roasted Cornish Hen

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 2 tbsp. butter, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ lemon
• 1 sprig rosemary

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the hen with salt and pepper inside and out. Rub the softened butter all over the hen and stuff the lemon and rosemary into the cavity. Truss the hen and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Grilled Cornish Hen

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the hen, including the inside cavity. Place the hen on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Elevate Your Dinner Game with These Impressive Cornish Hen Recipes

If you’ve mastered the basics of Cornish hen cooking and want to try something more advanced, we’ve got you covered. Here are two recipes that include unique flavors and techniques for impressing your guests:

1. Spicy Dry Rub Cornish Hen

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the hen and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to marinate. Roast the hen at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

2. Savory Herb-Stuffed Cornish Hen

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 4 tbsp. butter, softened
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the hen and truss it. Roast the hen for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Juicy and Flavorful Cornish Hen

Now, let’s walk through the process of preparing a juicy and flavorful Cornish hen. Follow these steps:

1. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the hen with salt and pepper inside and out.
3. Choose a seasoning or stuffing for added flavor.
4. Truss the Cornish hen using kitchen twine to help it keep its shape.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
6. Roast the hen for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let the hen rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Here’s a recipe you can try:

Juicy and Flavorful Cornish Hen

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 2 tbsp. butter, softened
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the hen, including the inside cavity. Truss the hen and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

The Best Cornish Hen Recipes for a Festive Holiday Feast

When it comes to holiday dinners or special occasions, Cornish hens are a great option for a smaller crowd. Here are two recipes that are perfect for a festive meal:

1. Cranberry Glazed Cornish Hen

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture over the hen and roast at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the hen with the mixture every 10-15 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

2. Cornish Hen with Apricot Stuffing

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked rice, apricots, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the hen and truss it. Roast the hen for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

One-Pan Cornish Hen Dinners: Easy and Delicious Meal Ideas

If you’re looking for easy meal ideas that use Cornish hens as the centerpiece, we’ve got you covered. Here are two recipes that include simple side dishes that can be cooked on the same pan as the Cornish hen:

1. Cornish Hen and Roasted Vegetables

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 1 lb. baby carrots
• 1 lb. baby potatoes, halved
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on the bottom of a roasting pan and place the Cornish hen on top. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Cornish Hen and Wild Rice Pilaf

• 1 Cornish hen, 1-2 lbs.
• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the Cornish hen with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wild rice and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Transfer the mixture to a roasting pan and place the Cornish hen on top. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Conclusion

Cornish hens are an excellent and delicious alternative to traditional chicken, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit any taste preference or occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, with our step-by-step instructions and flavorful recipes, you’re sure to achieve a juicy and flavorful Cornish hen every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and techniques to create your own signature Cornish hen recipe.