These cajun roasted cornish hens are tender, juicy and loaded with cajun flavors. Made with a butter rub, then roasted in the oven, these cornish hens are the perfect main course for a meal. They’re also very good for holidays.
What are cajun roasted cornish hens
In short, a cornish hen is nothing more than a chicken. Cornish hens are smaller in size, and typically don’t weigh more than 2 pounds.
Preparing cajun roasted cornish hens
The first thing I do is cut the back bone out of the hen. This way I can lay it flat as it is roasted. This step is also optional. However, if you are going to skip cutting the back bone out, it is important to stuff something in the cavity of the hen to prevent loss of moisture, and seal the flavor. I recommend stuffing it with onions, lemon and fresh herbs.
I prepare a butter rub for these hens. When preparing the rub, it is important to use a high quality salted butter. I prefer to use Kerrygold butter.
When it comes to the seasoning and herbs, I use salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon juice. For the herbs, I normally purchase a poultry blend which consist of sage, rosemary and thyme.
When preparing the rub, it is important for the butter to be softened. I suggest letting the butter sit out at room temperature to softened, instead of the using the microwave. Chop the herbs until they are fine. In a small bowl, add the butter, seasonings, herbs and lemon juice. Using a spoon, mix everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
Now, it’s time to add this rub to the hens. Using a spoon, spatula or your hands, rub the hens down with the rub. Also be sure to get that mixture under the skin as well. The hens should be fully coated with the butter mixture.
Lastly, place the hens in a roasting pan, and cook the hens in a preheated 400 degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until you have reached an internal temperature of 170 degrees on an instant read thermometer. Also, baste the hens with the juices from the pan every 20 minutes while they are roasting.
What to serve with cornish hens
My favorite side dish to go with cornish hens are wild rice. However, roasted potatoes and veggies goes good with them as well. If you serving them for the holidays, any of the traditional holiday sides are good too.
Cajun Roasted Cornish Hens
Ingredients
- 4 cornish hens
- 4 oz. (1 stick or 8 tbsp.) salted butter softened
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh herbs sage, rosemary, thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt plus more
- juice from one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- On cutting board or cutting mat, use kitchen sheers to remove the backbone of the hens, so they lay flat as they are being roasted.
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, fresh herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and lemon juice. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Rub each hen down with the butter mixture. Be sure to get inside of the skin, and underneath the hens. Sprinkle a little more salt on skin of chicken (optional).
- Place hens in a greased roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Cook in preheated oven, basting every 20 minutes with juices from pan, for 45 minutes to an hour, or until you've reached an internal temperature of 170 degrees on an instant read thermometer.
- Remove and serve with sides of choice.
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