How to Prepare Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish Game Hens

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 6
• Nutritional Facts (per serving): Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings, Calories: 294, Total Fat: 21 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 6 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 2 g, Protein: 20 g, Cholesterol: 115 mg, Sodium: 453 mg
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
• Preparation Time: 10 min
• Resting Time: 10 min
• Cooking Time: 1 hr

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 Cornish game hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 green bell pepper, diced into large pieces
• 2 celery stalks, diced into large pieces
• 1 onion, diced into large pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, lemon-pepper seasoning, dried basil, and poultry seasoning. Coat each hen thoroughly with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture all over them.
3. Arrange the hens on baking sheets with plenty of space between themusing two pans prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
4. Loosely fill the cavity of each hen with the diced green bell pepper, celery, and onion.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear.
6. Remove the hens from the oven, tent them loosely with foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving or serving.

Pro Tips: Line your baking sheets with foil for effortless cleanup. The aromatic vegetables and herbs stuffed inside infuse the meat with incredible flavor as it roasts. Give each hen adequate space to allow the skin to crisp beautifully and cook through evenly.