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Cornish Hens

Cornish hens are the perfect downsized holiday main—beautifully golden, tender, and surprisingly simple to prepare. They feel special without requiring the marathon cooking session of a full turkey.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Uncategorized
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cornish hens, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • Fresh herbs (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rub hens with olive oil or butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Stuff each cavity with half a lemon and 2 garlic cloves.
  4. Place hens on a baking tray and roast 50–60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

u003cliu003eAdd baby potatoes or carrots to the roasting pan for a one-pan meal.u003cbru003eBrush hens with honey or maple syrup during the last 10 minutes for a glossy finish.u003cbru003eSwap dried herbs for poultry seasoning.u003c/liu003e