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Roasted Cornish Hens

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cornish game hen, cornish hen
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 242kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Roasted Cornish Hens or otherwise called "game hens" are small birds perfect for impressing guests. They are smaller in size making them a great choice for smaller gatherings. Coated in savory seasonings and roasted on top of potatoes for a meal fit for a king!
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Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon season salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
  • 2 pounds (905g) potatoes (yukon gold or russets)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 (1.5lb)(680g) cornish hens

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
  • Wash potatoes and pat dry. Cut into 1" cubes and place in a 12" cast iron skillet or 9x13 baking pan. Toss with 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of reserved salt mixture.
  • Pat the cornish hens dry. Brush hens with remaining oil coating entire surface. Sprinkle with remaining salt mixture. Place on top of the potatoes. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting.

Notes

  1. TO SERVE: Cut each bird in half and serve.
  2. STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 887mg | Potassium: 979mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg