Garlic Cajun Butter Cornish Hens 🍗🌶️🧄
Ingredients:
For the Cornish Hens:
2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 to 2 pounds each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Cajun Butter:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For the Veggies (optional):
1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
1 onion, sliced
1 cup baby potatoes, halved
1/2 cup chicken broth (for roasting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Hens
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Rub each hen with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated.
Season the hens with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices evenly over the hens.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cajun Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and remove from heat.
Step 3: Roast the Hens
Place the Cornish hens on a baking dish or roasting pan.
Pour half of the garlic Cajun butter mixture over the hens, making sure they are generously coated.
Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and halved baby potatoes around the hens. Pour the chicken broth into the pan to keep the veggies moist during roasting.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (75°C), and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Baste the hens with the remaining garlic Cajun butter halfway through roasting for extra flavor.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Serve the roasted hens with the roasted vegetables and a drizzle of the garlic Cajun butter.
Enjoy your Garlic Cajun Butter Cornish Hens! This dish is perfect for a flavorful and succulent dinner with a nice spicy kick from the Cajun butter!