Are you looking for a delicious and elegant dish to impress your guests at your next dinner party? Look no further than our Perfect Oven Roasted Baked Cornish Hens Recipe! This dish is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful, making it the ideal choice for a special occasion or even a cozy family dinner. The tender and juicy meat of the Cornish hens, perfectly seasoned and roasted to perfection, will leave everyone at the table craving for more. Let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering meal!
**Perfect Oven Roasted Baked Cornish Hens Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 Cornish hens, thoroughly cleaned and pat dry
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Place the Cornish hens on a cutting board and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Rub the olive oil mixture all over the Cornish hens, making sure to cover them evenly.
5. Stuff the cavity of each Cornish hen with the lemon slices. This will infuse the hens with a subtle citrus flavor as they roast.
6. Tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine to help keep their shape and ensure even cooking.
7. Transfer the hens to a roasting pan, breast side up.
8. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the hens are golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh – it should read 165°F (74°C).
9. Once done, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving.
10. Garnish the Cornish hens with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
11. Serve the Perfect Oven Roasted Baked Cornish Hens hot and enjoy the juicy and flavorful meat with your favorite side dishes. These hens are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Enjoy your meal, and revel in the joyful reactions of your guests as they savor every bite of this delectable dish. You’ll find that this Perfect Oven Roasted Baked Cornish Hens Recipe will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire, sure to impress time and time again!
