Gordon Ramsay’s Cornish Hen Recipe

This Gordon Ramsay’s Cornish Hen Recipe is a crispy and juicy recipe, which is made with fresh lemon and rosemary. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

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Gordon Ramsay’s Cornish Hen Recipe Ingredients

• 2 thawed Cornish hens
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp fresh (or 1 tsp dried) rosemary
• 2 tsp fresh (or 1 tsp dried) thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp coarse salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Sliced lemon for stuffing (optional)

How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Cornish Hen

1. Prep the oven and hens: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels, both inside and out.
2. Make the herb rub: In a small bowl, mix the grated garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
3. Season the hens: Rub the mixture all over the outside and inside of each hen, making sure to get it into all the crevices.
4. Prepare for roasting: Stuff each cavity with a few lemon slices, if desired. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
5. Roast until golden: Place the hens in a roasting pan or on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Roast for 50–60 minutes.
6. Rest and serve: The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving hot.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get ultra-crispy skin? The most important step is to get the hens as dry as possible before seasoning. Patting them with paper towels is good, but for the absolute crispiest skin, you can let the uncovered hens sit on a rack in the refrigerator overnight. This dries the skin out completely.
• How do I know the hen is cooked through? The only way to be certain is with a meat thermometer. Check the temperature in multiple spots, like the thickest part of the breast and the thigh (without touching the bone). Both should register at least 165°F (74°C).
• Do I need to baste the hens? It’s not required for this recipe. The olive oil in the rub and the high initial heat do a great job of crisping the skin and keeping the meat moist without any extra basting.
• Why tie the legs together (trussing)? Trussing the hens helps them cook more evenly and ensures that the legs and wings don’t burn before the breast is cooked. It also makes for a more attractive, compact presentation.

What To Serve With Cornish Hens

These elegant little birds are a perfect centerpiece for a special meal. They pair wonderfully with:

• Roasted potatoes or a wild rice pilaf
• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
• A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• A light pan gravy made from the drippings

How To Store Cornish Hens

Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked Cornish hen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: For the best results, reheat the hen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until it is heated through and the skin has re-crisped.

Cornish Hen Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 1200mg

Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Gordon Ramsay’s Deep Fried Pizza Recipe
• Gordon Ramsay Fried Chicken Recipe
• Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe