Description
Spicy, flavorful, and perfectly roasted, these Cajun Cornish Hens are a showstopping meal packed with bold Louisiana flavors. Seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice rub and roasted until golden and juicy, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or a holiday feast. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
• 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 small onion, quartered
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil or parchment paper.
2. Prepare Hens: Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub the inside cavities with a little salt and pepper. Stuff each hen with lemon quarters, garlic cloves, and onion pieces.
3. Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix olive oil (or butter) with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
4. Season the Hens: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the hens, including under the skin for maximum flavor. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired.
5. Roast the Hens: Place the hens on the prepared baking sheet breast-side up. Roast for about 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste with juices halfway through cooking for extra crispiness.
6. Rest & Serve: Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
• For extra crispy skin, broil the hens for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
• Pairs well with dirty rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ Cornish hen
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Cajun Cornish hens, spicy roasted hens, Louisiana-style hens, Cornish game hens recipe, Cajun dinner