Spicy Cornish Hen (Polletto Alla Diavola) Recipe

Name: Spicy Cornish Hen (Polletto Alla Diavola)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: four 1-pound Cornish hens, butterflied, breasts boned; 1 garlic clove, peeled, plus 4 cloves, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes; freshly ground black pepper; juice of 6 lemons; 1 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 fresh rosemary sprigs; 4 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 jalapeno pepper, split lengthwise, seeds removed, thinly sliced; fine sea salt

Servings: persons

1
Rub the Cornish hens' skin, inside and out, with the peeled garlic clove. Discard the clove. Spread the red pepper between the skin and the meat. Season all over with black pepper.
2
Place the hens in a nonreactive pan. Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over them then scatter the sliced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and jalapeno over them. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rest in the refrigerator overnight.
3
The next day, remove the hens from the marinade, pat them dry, and season the skins with salt.
4
Set a heavy cast-iron skillet large enough to fit all the hens (or use 2 or more smaller skillets) over medium heat. Place the hens, skin side down, in the skillet and press them with a spatula or weight (such as a cast-iron pan or foil-wrapped brick) to obtain a golden-brown crispy skin, then turn them over and repeat. Depending on the size of the hens, this will take 25-30 minutes altogether.
5
Place each hen on a dinner plate and serve at once.
6
VINO
7
This spicy dish requires something that can stand up to its spice, like a full-bodied Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany.

743

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

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

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

My Personal Notes

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

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: four 1-pound Cornish hens, butterflied, breasts boned, 1 garlic clove, peeled, plus 4 cloves, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and more.

Yes, Spicy Cornish Hen (Polletto Alla Diavola) falls under the General 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!

Spicy Cornish Hen (Polletto Alla Diavola)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions