Roasted Cornish Hens with Lemon-Herb Butter

Roasted Cornish Hens With Lemon Herb Butter

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:55 Mins

Servings:2

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish hens (about 1.25 - 1.5 lbs each), thawed if frozen
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon juice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
• Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Rub each hen with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
• Gently loosen the skin of each hen over the breast and legs. Spread half of the lemon-herb butter mixture under the skin of each hen. Rub the remaining butter mixture over the outside of the hens.
• Place the hens in the roasting pan, breast side up. If desired, truss the legs together with kitchen twine for more even cooking.
• Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. Baste the hens with pan juices halfway through cooking.
• Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:650 calories

Fat:45g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:British

Right then, let's get down to business, shall we?

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of posh nosh without slaving away in the kitchen? This cornish hen recipe is just the ticket! Think lemon-herb butter melting into juicy, tender meat.

Brief Overview

The baked cornish hen recipe offers a brilliant alternative to your standard roast chicken! it's essentially an individual portion of deliciousness.

Although its exact origins are hazy, the cornish hen has become a staple for those wanting a smaller, more elegant bird.

This one's dead easy: prep in fifteen minutes, and it is ready in under an hour. it serves 2 generously, or 4 if you're having a right proper feast.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the biggest win is how simple this easy cornish hen recipe oven is. plus, poultry is a decent source of lean protein, right? this recipe's perfect for a special occasion like a posh sunday lunch or even thanksgiving! what makes this one special? the zesty lemon-herb butter takes it from "meh" to "oh my gosh, that's amazing!".

Right, let's talk ingredients.

Gather Your Supplies

So, to make this magic happen, you'll need:

• 2 Cornish hens .
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper – the usual suspects, yeah?

And for that incredible lemon-herb butter:

• Butter (the real stuff, none of that margarine nonsense)
• A lemon – zest and juice, don't waste any!
• Fresh parsley and thyme – herbs are key, mate.
• Garlic – because everything's better with garlic.

And a roasting pan, a small bowl, and a meat thermometer are essential.

Butter Up Those Birds!

First things first: get that oven preheating to 400° f ( 200° c). now, for the fun part, making the lemon-herb butter.

Mix the softened butter with the lemon zest and juice, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. honestly, the smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Pat those roasted cornish game hens dry, give them a rub with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Now, gently loosen the skin and slather that lemon-herb butter underneath. then, rub the rest all over the outside. this is where the magic happens.

Bake 'Em to Perfection

Pop those buttered-up birds into the roasting pan, breast side up. roast for 50- 60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165° f ( 74° c) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.

Baste them with the pan juices halfway through – keeps them lovely and moist. this is a simple recipe for cornish hens isn’t it?

Remove from the oven, and let them rest for ten minutes before serving. This is crucial, trust me!

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your beautiful Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hens with roasted root vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Don't forget a nice crisp white wine. Cheers to that!

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this cornish hen recipe . it's all about quality, innit? and a bit of prep.

Trust me, a bit of planning makes all the difference.

Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

First things first, the cornish hens themselves. you'll want two , weighing in at about 1.25-1.5 lbs (570-680g) each.

Make sure they're properly thawed if they've been in the freezer. seriously, nobody wants a semi-frozen baked cornish hen recipe bird.

• Olive oil : 1 tablespoon . Any decent olive oil will do.
• Salt and pepper : To taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always better, mind you.

That Glorious Lemon-Herb Butter

This is where the magic happens, love. This butter transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary Cornish hen recipes oven .

• Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted, softened. Quality butter makes a difference, so go for something decent.
• Lemon: 1 medium , for zest and 1 tablespoon of juice. Zest first, then juice!
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons , fresh and chopped.
• Thyme: 1 tablespoon , fresh and chopped. I love a hint of thyme for earthy notes in my Thanksgiving Cornish Hen Recipe .
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Not too much now.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon .

Spice It Up, Darling! Seasoning Notes

Want to jazz things up a bit? a dash of red pepper flakes in that butter mix adds a lovely kick.

Or, for a mediterranean vibe, swap the parsley and thyme for oregano and rosemary. remember, the best part of cooking is experimenting and putting your own spin on things.

So go for it and use your imagination! these flavours will elevate your oven baked cornish hens to another level.

If you don't have fresh herbs, don't fret! dried herbs work in a pinch. just remember to use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.

Also, don't be afraid to add some paprika to give it a little extra kick and golden colour.

Equipment: Keeping it Simple

Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this Easy Cornish Hen Recipe .

• Roasting pan: Any old roasting pan will do. Even a casserole dish could work if you are making a Cornish Hen Recipe In Electric Roaster .
• Small bowl: For mixing that amazing lemon-herb butter.
• Whisk or fork: To get that butter nice and creamy.
• Meat thermometer: Absolutely essential for making sure those Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hens are cooked perfectly. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
• Kitchen twine (optional): To truss the legs. Not strictly necessary, but it helps them cook evenly.

Common Household Alternatives

Don't have a roasting pan? no worries! a baking sheet with raised edges works just fine. as for the meat thermometer, you should definitely consider buying one for safety and peace of mind.

And that’s it! With these ingredients and basic equipment, you're all set to create a Roasted Cornish Hen that'll impress even your fussiest guests. Now, let's get cooking!

I hope that helps you create a recipe for cornish hens that your friends will love. trust me, it’s so easy that even i managed to do it! and if i can, anyone can.

Good luck!

Alright, mate! let's talk cooking method for the perfect cornish hen recipe . honestly, it's easier than you think. even easier than spotting a bargain at aldi.

I’ll walk you through it like a pro, alright? it all starts with getting your bits and bobs ready.

Prep Like a Boss: Cornish Hen Mission Control

Essential Mise en Place: Your Sorted Station

First things first, mise en place , yeah? it's a fancy french term meaning "everything in its place." basically, have all your ingredients measured and chopped before you start.

Trust me, this is time-saving .

Time-Saving Organization Tips: No More Kitchen Chaos

Get everything ready before you even think about turning on the oven. soften that butter! chop those herbs! zest that lemon! having everything at hand means smooth sailing and less stress.

Also consider using electric oven with a grill and a fan to optimize your easy cornish hen recipe ovens .

Safety Reminders: Kitchen Ninja Skills

Don't be a numpty! Always wash your hands before and after handling raw poultry. And for god's sake, make sure your cutting board is clean! We're aiming for tasty, not tummy rumbles.

Step-by-Step Process: From Zero to Hero Baked Cornish Hen Recipe

One, Two, Three, Roast!

Here's the breakdown for how to get this Recipe For Cornish Hens done:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C).
2. Make the lemon-herb butter. Mix softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat the Cornish hens dry. Trust me. Use paper towels.
4. Rub 'em with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Inside and out.
5. Gently loosen the skin. Slide half the butter under the skin on each hen. Smear the rest on the outside.
6. Roast 'em for 50- 60 minutes . Until a thermometer reads 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Let them rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. This keeps all those juicy goodness inside.

Visual Cues for Doneness: Eyes on the Prize

The hens should be golden brown. The juices running clear when you poke the thigh with a fork.

Critical Temperature Points: Know Your Numbers

Remember 165° F ( 74° C)! . That's the magic number. Undercooked poultry is a no-go.

Pro Tips: Unleash Your Inner Chef for the Thanksgiving Cornish Hen Recipe

Expert Techniques or Shortcuts: Get Savvy

Dry brining overnight really elevates the flavour. just generously salt the hens and leave uncovered in the fridge. you’ll have the best cornish hen brine recipe , this is a game changer, seriously.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't Be That Cook

Overcooking is the biggest mistake. Use a meat thermometer! Seriously! A must do for the best roasted cornish game hens .

Make-Ahead Options: Get Ahead of the Game

You can make the lemon-herb butter a day or two in advance. just keep it in the fridge. on the other hand, try bake cornish hen recipe from frozen, that is not a good idea.

So there you have it! your guide to roast cornish hens . easy peasy, lemon squeezy. go on, give it a go and impress your mates! also think on adding this to your christmas or thanksgiving cornish hen recipe feast.

Right then, let's talk recipe notes for this absolutely smashing cornish hen recipe . You know, those little bits and bobs that can take your baked cornish hen recipe from alright to absolutely brilliant!

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Cornish Hen Recipe

Honestly, a cornish hen recipe baked easy is already a winner, but these pointers? They're game changers.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Forget just chucking it on a plate! for a touch of elegance, arrange your roasted cornish hen on a bed of vibrant greens, like rocket or watercress.

A sprig of rosemary never goes amiss either. and don't be shy with the sides. roasted root veg, creamy mash, maybe some glazed carrots? all delightful.

As for drinks, i reckon a crisp sauvignon blanc pairs beautifully, or even a refreshing gin and tonic. now, isn't that posh?

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so if you've got leftovers of your delicious cornish hen recipe in electric roaster , pop them in the fridge within two hours.

Use an airtight container, yeah? they'll be good for about 3 days. freezing? best to avoid it, to be honest.

The texture can get a bit funny. reheating? a gentle oven at 325° f ( 160° c) until warmed through is your best bet.

Basting with a bit of chicken stock will keep it moist.

Variations: Tweak it Your Way

Fancy a bit of spice? add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-herb butter, gives it a little kick, innit? or, if you're feeling more meditteranean, swap the parsley and thyme for oregano and rosemary.

Going dairy-free? use olive oil instead of butter, but remember, it will change the flavour a bit. for a sweeter thanksgiving cornish hen recipe , give the hens a brush with maple syrup during the last 15 mins.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Alright, so each oven baked cornish hens is around 650 calories, with a whopping 55g of protein. also, 45g of fat, and around 5g of carbs.

Remember, this is an estimate. but, those cooking cornish hens are a great source of lean protein, which is brilliant for muscle building and keeping you feeling full.

Plus, that lemon-herb butter is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. good for you, good for the tastebuds!

There you have it, some extra easy cornish hen recipe ovens tips to take your roast to the next level.

Whether you’re making it for a fancy dinner party or a cosy sunday supper, i know this is going to be a great recipe for cornish hens , so get your cornish game hen recipes on and enjoy.

Now, go get those ovens fired up and let’s get baking. you can do it!