Cornish Hen With Mediterranean Garlic-Spice Rub

Name: Cornish Hen With Mediterranean Garlic-Spice Rub
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: FOR SPICE RUB; 15 cloves Garlic; 2-1/2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt; 2-1/2 teaspoons Hot Paprika; 1-1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice; 1-1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 1/2 teaspoons Ground Nutmeg; 1 whole Lemon Or Lime, Juice Of; 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil; FOR THE HENS:; 4 whole (1 1/2 Lb. Size) Cornish Game Hens; 1 whole Sweet Onion, Roughly Chopped Or Cut In Large Pieces; 2 stalks Celery, Cleaned And Chopped In Large Pieces; 2 whole Lemons Or Limes, Each Cut In Half; 2 cups Chicken Broth; Seasoned Salt

Servings: persons

FOR SPICE RUB
15 cloves Garlic
2-1/2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt
2-1/2 teaspoons Hot Paprika
1-1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
1-1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
1 whole Lemon Or Lime, Juice Of
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
FOR THE HENS:
4 whole (1 1/2 Lb. Size) Cornish Game Hens
1 whole Sweet Onion, Roughly Chopped Or Cut In Large Pieces
2 stalks Celery, Cleaned And Chopped In Large Pieces
2 whole Lemons Or Limes, Each Cut In Half
2 cups Chicken Broth
Seasoned Salt

1
Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine spice rub ingredients in a food processor. Run processor until you achieve a paste-like spice mixture/rub. Set aside.
2
Now to each of the hens, apply spice rub generously. Be sure to apply rub in the crevices and underneath the skin. This ensures good flavor.
3
Heat a lightly-oiled cast iron grill or griddle. Turn heat to medium-high and proceed to brown each of the hens on all sides. Set aside momentarily to cool. Turn off the heat.
4
Once hens have cooled enough to handle, stuff each hen's cavity with the onion and celery. Now squeeze the lemon or lime juice over the hens. Add the lime or lemon halves in with the onion and celery stuffing. Sprinkle hens with a dash of seasoned salt, if you desire. Tie up hens' legs, if you have kitchen string available.
5
Place prepared hens in a large roasting pan with some good chicken broth. Insert dish into the heated oven for one hour. Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil for 10 minutes before serving.
6
The chicken broth from the roasting pan will make a great sauce or gravy to serve with the Cornish hens.
7
Funny story, but I had always avoided, in fact feared cooking whole chickens. That is until I watched an episode of The Pioneer Woman where Ree made her roast chicken to celebrate Ladd's grandmother's birthday. But I think I've perfected it with this recipe.

573

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: FOR SPICE RUB, 15 cloves Garlic, 2-1/2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt, 2-1/2 teaspoons Hot Paprika, and more.

Yes, Cornish Hen With Mediterranean Garlic-Spice Rub falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!