Infused with the deep roasted-in flavour of eleven spices, these Cornish Game Hens are delicious and definitely good enough for company.
Yield: 6 servings – halved game hens (or 3 if you serve whole)
Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 Cornish hens (approx. 1 lb each)
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges
- 9 cloves garlic, peeled and slightly crushed
- 5 tbsp spice rub
- 3 tbsp oil
For the Spice Rub you will need:
1/4 cup paprika
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp seasoning salt
1 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 cayenne pepper
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine all spices and stir until combined well. Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F.
3. Place 1/3 of the lemon wedges and 3 cloves of garlic into the breast cavity of each game hen.
4. In a small bowl, mix the oil and 5 tbsp of the rub together into a paste.
5. Rub the spice paste onto the outside of each hen; coating well.
6. Place the game hens breast side on a wire rack in a large roasting pan. Cook for 45-60 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing a thigh with a knife or fork. The hen is cooked when the juices run clear, and a meat thermometer reaches a temperature of 170°F
7. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.
Serve with rice or roasted vegetables.
