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cornish hen recipe

Cast Iron Skillet Cornish Hen

The Crispy Chef
This recipe features a tender, flavorful Cornish hen, cooked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Perfect for special occasions or intimate dinners, it uses searing and roasting techniques to deliver a deliciously crispy skin and tender meat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Roasting Pan
  • Food processor
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Cornish hens 1-2 pounds each
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons citrus juice lemon or orange
  • 1 lemon quartered (for stuffing)
  • 1 onion quartered (for stuffing)
  • 1 celery stalk cut into pieces (for stuffing)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth for basting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Thaw Cornish hens in the refrigerator overnight. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • In a food processor, blend garlic, paprika, allspice, thyme, black pepper, nutmeg, olive oil, salt, and citrus juice. Coat hens with the marinade, inside and out, and let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Stuff each hen with lemon wedges, onion, and celery.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear hens skin-side down for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. Flip and sear the other side.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 25 minutes at 425°F, then reduce temperature to 350°F and roast for another 20-25 minutes.
  • Baste with chicken broth every 15 minutes during roasting. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove from oven, rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure Cornish hens are thoroughly thawed and patted dry for a crispy skin.
  • You can marinate the hens overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are fully cooked.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 4 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 35gFat: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Keyword cast iron skillet, Cornish hen, flavorful chicken, roasted Cornish hen, seared hen
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