Smoked Cornish Hen
Cornish hens rubbed with smoked paprika, garlic, and butter, then roasted until skin crackles. Ready in 20 minutes with that deep smokehouse flavor.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 48g
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Ingredients
- 2 whole (about 1.5 lbs each) Cornish hens
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 1.5 tbsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 whole lemon
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 450°F. Pat hens dry with paper towels inside and out.
- 2
Mix softened butter, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3
Rub the butter mixture all over each hen, under the skin and on the outside.
- 4
Halve the lemon and tuck one piece inside each hen's cavity.
- 5
Place hens breast-side up on a sheet pan. Roast 18–20 minutes until skin is dark golden and juices run clear at the thigh.
- 6
Rest 3 minutes, then serve hot.
Tools you’ll need
- sheet pan
- paper towels
- small bowl
- spoon
- instant-read thermometer (optional, internal temp should reach 165°F at thickest thigh)
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