Baked Cornish Hen for a Festive Table: Step-by-Step Recipe
Cornish hen is a small chicken breed known for its tender, juicy meat, making it an excellent choice for roasting whole. Baked in the oven, a Cornish hen becomes an exquisite and delicious centerpiece for a festive table.

Cooking Time: About 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Baked Cornish Hen for a Festive Table
Baked Cornish Hen for a Festive Table
Baked Cornish Hen for a Festive Table
Baked Cornish Hen for a Festive Table
Ingredients:

  • Cornish hen — 1 piece (about 500-700 g)
  • Garlic — 3-4 cloves
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) — to taste
  • Lemon — 1 piece
  • Olive oil — 2-3 tbsp
  • Salt, black pepper — to taste For the garnish:
  • Potatoes — 4-5 pieces
  • Carrots — 2-3 pieces
  • Onion — 1 piece
Preparation Method:

  1. Thoroughly wash the Cornish hen and pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. Rub the hen inside and out with salt and black pepper.
  3. Mix olive oil with minced garlic and finely chopped herbs.
  4. Evenly distribute this mixture over the entire hen, including the cavity.
  5. Cut the lemon into quarters.
  6. Place lemon quarters and a few sprigs of fresh herbs inside the hen.
  7. Peel and cut potatoes, carrots, and onion into large pieces.
  8. Arrange the vegetables around the hen on a baking sheet.
  9. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  10. Bake the hen for approximately 1-1.5 hours, periodically basting it with the released juices. The cooking time depends on the size of the hen.
Serving:

Let the cooked hen cool slightly before serving. Serve it whole on a large plate with vegetable garnish. Baked Cornish hen with aromatic herbs and a citrus touch will be the true centerpiece on your festive table. This dish not only looks festive but also delights guests with its wonderful taste and aroma.
Cooking Secrets:

Preparing the perfect baked Cornish hen requires attention to detail and adherence to some culinary secrets:

  1. Before cooking, ensure that the chicken is completely thawed and brought to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
  2. Thoroughly wash the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels to make the skin crispy when baked.
  3. Using aromatic herbs, garlic, and citrus helps give the chicken a special taste and aroma.
  4. Rub the chicken with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs to add extra juiciness and flavor.
  5. Preheat the oven to the required temperature beforehand so that the chicken starts cooking immediately.
  6. The baking time depends on the size of the chicken but is typically around 1-1.5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level (75°C or 165°F).
  7. Garnish with potatoes and vegetables baked together with the chicken not only decorates the dish but also absorbs the chicken's aromas.
  8. To prevent vegetables from drying out, lightly drizzle them with olive oil and season them.
  9. Allow the chicken to "rest" for 10-15 minutes after baking before serving. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat, making it juicier and more tender.
  10. Serve the chicken on a large plate adorned with fresh herbs for a festive appearance.
Following these secrets will help you prepare a baked Cornish hen that will be the star of your festive table.

Enjoy your meal!

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