FAQs
Roast, uncovered, basting frequently with butter for 1 hour (if hen weighs over 1lb 2oz, roast 1 hour and 15 minutes) or until internal temperature on instant read thermometer reaches 180°F when inserted into inner thigh.
What temperature is Cornish hen cooked at? ›
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 10 minutes before slicing.
How do you get the gamey taste out of Cornish hens? ›
The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution. 2. Vinegar solution - 1 cup per quart of cold water. Use enough solution to cover the game completely.
How many Cornish hens can I cook at once? ›
Lay a wire rack in the bottom of a big roasting pan and place 6 Cornish game hens on it. If you don't have a wire rack that fits the pan, bunch up a few pieces of aluminum foil and place these on the bottom of the pan. You can easily cut this recipe in half or a third if you only want to make 2 or 3 hens.
Do you have to remove anything from a Cornish hen before cooking? ›
Remove giblet bag from cavity and reserve for making sauces, etc. Heavily brining or marinating product is unnecessary as Cornish birds are small and meat is quite succulent.
How do you tell if a Cornish hen is done without a thermometer? ›
When the chicken has cooked for the required time, (20-25 minutes per lb/500g) pierce the thickest part of the drumstick (leg) with a sharp knife or skewer. If the juices are clear your chicken should be cooked. If they still run pink, leave the chicken to cook for another 15 minutes or so, and check again.
What is the best way to eat Cornish hens? ›
Because of their small size, Cornish hens are perfect as a serving for one person or split in half when served with some delicious sides. I love pairing this easy roasted Cornish hen recipe with my Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes; Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables; or Brussels sprouts... Lots more ideas below!
Do Cornish hens need to be thawed before cooking? ›
You should use the hens 1-2 days after thawing. You can thaw cornish hens in their packaging in a sink full of cold water 4-6 hours before cooking.
Is Cornish hen more tender than chicken? ›
Cornish Hens Tastier And More Tender
There are still many farms raising this breed today, and even commercially farmed versions are still prized for the quality of their meat. That quality, however, may be a reflection of the age of the mass-market Cornish hens.
How can you tell if a Cornish game hen is bad? ›
Fresh raw chicken should have a pink hue to it with fat parts being white. If the color fades, it's looking yellow or gray in color, has mold or a different color tinge, it's no longer safe to eat.
Choose an acidic marinade.
The buttermilk soak can serve as a marinade, but if you prefer to do a more traditional marinade, choose one that contains an acidic ingredient like vinegar, fruit juice, or wine. These acidic bases will counteract the gamey taste of the meat.
Are Cornish game hens hard to eat? ›
Because they're harvested so young, Cornish hens' meat is exceptionally tender. Their high skin-to-meat ratio makes them remarkably succulent too. Cornish hens are as versatile as conventional chickens, but cook faster and feel more special.
Is Cornish hen healthier than regular chicken? ›
Nutrition. Cornish hens' adolescence also contributes to a lower fat content. Since they are comprised of primarily white meat, Cornish hens are very lean and rich in niacin, which can help lower cholesterol and boost brain function.
How to know when Cornish hen is done? ›
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the juices run clear.
What is the purpose of a rack in a roasting pan when preparing Cornish hens? ›
Roasting Cornish hens on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet also helps elevate the birds so that the thighs cook as quickly as the breasts. Cornish hens are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and their juices run clear.
What temperature is a Cornish hen breast done? ›
Roast in a 425 degrees F heated oven for 1 hour (or until the hens are cooked through and juices run clean), basting every 15 minutes with the broth. If you have a cooking thermometer, cooked Cornish hens will have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Allow the Cornish game hens to rest before serving.