# Simple Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
This Cornish hen recipe offers an uncomplicated way to create an upscale meal. Cornish hens are seasoned and roasted with vegetables until they become tender and juicy, resulting in a delightful dining experience.
## What Are Cornish Hens?
Cornish hens are a favored variety of chickens originating from the English region of Cornwall. They usually weigh around 2 pounds, which is considerably less than an average chicken that typically weighs 4 pounds or more. Cornish hens are fully grown at this lighter weight, leading to exceptionally tender meat. Their simplicity in preparation and shorter cooking duration often makes them the preferred choice. They can typically be found in the freezer section near frozen turkeys.
## Ingredients
– **Vegetables**: Onions, carrots, and potatoes are cooked alongside the hens for a complete one-pan meal. The hens’ juices will perfectly season the vegetables. If you choose to roast the hens without vegetables, use a rack in the baking dish.
– **Seasonings**: A blend of rosemary, lemon zest, thyme, and garlic powder elevates the flavor of the hens.
## Variations
– Cornish game hens can be filled with homemade stuffing, akin to a festive bird—make sure the center of the stuffing hits 165°F.
– You can incorporate other vegetables; consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms for a change.
– A simple chicken seasoning mix, Italian herbs, or zesty Cajun spice can also be used for some flair. Replacing olive oil with leftover bacon grease can introduce a smoky taste to the skin.
## How to Cook Cornish Hen
Cooking Cornish hens may seem intricate, but it’s among the simplest upscale dinners you can prepare!
1. **Preparation**: Coat the hens with oil and season as preferred. Tuck the wings beneath the bird and position it on a pan. Arrange vegetables around the Cornish hens.
2. **Baking**: Bake uncovered per the recipe instructions provided below.
3. **Resting**: Take the hens out of the oven and allow them to rest prior to serving.
## Recipe Tips
– Defrost the hens in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
– Fresh herbs or lemon wedges can be placed in the cavity before cooking.
– Cook until the hens register 165°F with a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
– Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving. If necessary, the vegetables can be returned to the oven during the hens’ resting period.
## Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cornish hens can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Utilize leftovers as you would with leftover chicken—in a chicken wrap, incorporated into soup, or mixed into a quick buffalo chicken dip.
## What to Serve with Cornish Hen
Complement your roasted Cornish hen with a side of your preferred grains or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Relish this sophisticated yet straightforward dish that is bound to impress your guests!