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
Ingredients
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Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 450°F. Pat hens dry with paper towels inside and out.
Step 2
Mix softened butter, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3
Rub the butter mixture all over each hen, under the skin and on the outside.
Step 4
Halve the lemon and tuck one piece inside each hen's cavity.
Step 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.
Step 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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