Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe

Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with this Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen recipe! Tender, flavorful, and perfectly roasted, it’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

This Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe is a show-stopping, elegant dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or holiday gathering.

Each hen is roasted to golden perfection, with tender, juicy meat and crispy skin infused with fragrant herbs and seasonings.

Simple to prepare yet impressive on the table, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen, making it a go-to for anyone looking to impress friends or family with minimal effort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Perfectly Juicy Meat – Each hen is tender and flavorful, never dry.
• Crispy, Golden Skin – Roasted to perfection for that irresistible crunch.
• Elegant Yet Simple – Looks impressive on the table but easy to prepare.
• Fragrant Herb Flavor – Infused with herbs that elevate every bite.
• Ideal for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or special weeknight meals.

Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Ingredients

• Cornish hens – Small hens.
• Kosher salt – Coarse salt that enhances natural flavors of meat.
• Olive oil – High-quality olive oil adds richness and golden color.
• Lemon zest – Bright citrus flavor that complements herbs and poultry.
• Lemon juice – Adds tangy, fresh acidity to balance richness.
• Garlic – Aromatic garlic gives savory depth and bold flavor.
• Rosemary – Earthy herb adds fragrance and complements poultry beautifully.
• Black pepper – Adds mild heat and enhances all other flavors.
• Lemon – For roasting inside hens or adding extra citrus flavor.

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe

Step One: Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub the hens all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step Two: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, grated lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the hens, making sure to coat evenly. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor.

Step Three:Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the hens on a roasting pan. Halve a lemon and place inside each hen. Roast for 45–55 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the juices run clear. Remove hens from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes.

Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe Tips

• Marinate for Flavor: Let the hens sit in the marinade for a few hours in the fridge to maximize flavor.
• Room Temperature Hens: Bring the hens to room temperature before roasting for more even cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Roast until the skin is golden and juices run clear; use a meat thermometer if needed.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the hens rest 5–10 minutes after roasting to lock in juices.
• Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: Use fresh rosemary and lemon zest for the most aromatic, flavorful results.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the hens tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the skin from drying out.

Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe Faqs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Marinate the hens a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Can I use frozen Cornish hens? Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before flattening and roasting.

How do I know when the hens are cooked? The hens are done when the skin is golden and juices run clear. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Can I substitute the herbs? Yes, thyme, sage, or tarragon can replace rosemary for a different flavor.

How long can leftovers be stored? Store cooked hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

How can I reheat without drying them out? Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through.

More Ina Garten Copycat Recipes

• Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
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• Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan
• Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
• Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup
• French Potato Salad by Barefoot Contessa
• Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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