Cajun Cornish Hens Done Right

👉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

🔹️½ tsp paprika

🔹️½ tsp thyme

🔹️Salt and black pepper to taste

▶️For the Garlic Cajun Butter:

🔹️½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

🔹️3 cloves garlic, minced

🔹️1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

🔹️1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

🔹️1 tbsp lemon juice

🔹️½ tsp smoked paprika

🔹️A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

▶️Optional Veggies:

🔹️1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced

🔹️1 onion, sliced

🔹️1 cup baby potatoes, halved

🔹️½ cup chicken broth

👉Instructions:

▶️Step 1: Prepare the Hens

◾️1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

◾️2. Rinse the hens and pat them dry with paper towels.

◾️3. Rub each hen with olive oil.

◾️4. Season them evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

▶️Step 2: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter

◾️1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

◾️2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

◾️3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.

↪️Step 3: Roast the Hens

◾️1. Place the hens in a baking dish or roasting pan.

◾️2. Pour half of the Cajun garlic butter over them.

◾️3. Add the veggies around the hens and pour in the chicken broth.

◾️4. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

◾️5. Baste with the remaining Cajun garlic butter halfway through cooking.

👉Step 4: Serve

🔸️1. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

🔸️2. Serve with the roasted veggies and a drizzle of the garlic butter on top.

◾️Enjoy! This dish is full of flavor, juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and has a delicious Cajun kick.