Spanish Garlic Cornish Hens with Smoked Paprika
Spanish Garlic Cornish Hens with Smoked Paprika
Ingredients
For the Cornish Hens
- 2 Cornish hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Pan Juices (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- 1
Pat the Cornish hens dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl or on a baking sheet.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a paste.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
Rub the spice mixture all over the Cornish hens, making sure to get under the skin of the breast and thigh areas for maximum flavor. Place one lemon half inside the cavity of each hen.
⏱️ 7 min
- 4
Cover the hens and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight.
⏱️ 30 min
- 5
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the marinated Cornish hens on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400
- 6
Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent with foil.
⏱️ 60 min•🌡️ 400
- 7
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
⏱️ 10 min
- 8
Optional: While the hens are resting, you can make a simple pan sauce. Remove the hens from the roasting pan. Place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Strain if desired.
⏱️ 5 min
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with the pan juices, if made.
⏱️ 3 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spanish Garlic Cornish Hens with Smoked Paprika
For the Cornish Hens
- 2 Cornish hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Pan Juices (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- 1
Pat the Cornish hens dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl or on a baking sheet.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a paste.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
Rub the spice mixture all over the Cornish hens, making sure to get under the skin of the breast and thigh areas for maximum flavor. Place one lemon half inside the cavity of each hen.
⏱️ 7 min - 4
Cover the hens and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight.
⏱️ 30 min - 5
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the marinated Cornish hens on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400 - 6
Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent with foil.
⏱️ 60 min•🌡️ 400 - 7
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
⏱️ 10 min - 8
Optional: While the hens are resting, you can make a simple pan sauce. Remove the hens from the roasting pan. Place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Strain if desired.
⏱️ 5 min - 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with the pan juices, if made.
⏱️ 3 min