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Cajun Roasted Cornish Hens

Danielle Dunn
Cajun butter roasted cornish hens
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 4

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.

Notes

If you choose to not cut the backbones out, stuff the cavity of the hen with fresh herbs, chopped onion and lemon wedges.
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