Spatchcock Cornish Hen
The ultimate comfort food, Spatchcock Cornish Hen is a flavorful and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 units Cornish hens
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose chicken seasoning
Instructions
- Start by removing the backbone of the hens using sharp kitchen shears or a chef knife.
- Place the hens breast side up on your cutting board.
- Press down on the breast bone with your hands to flatten the hens.
- Pat the hens down well on all sides with a paper towel.
- Transfer them to a rack over a sheet tray and generously season them on all sides with the chicken seasoning blend.
- Dry brine them in the fridge uncovered for 12 to 48 hours.
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit with the convection setting on, or 425° Fahrenheit if you’re not using convection.
- Bake the hens at 400° with convection on a middle rack for 50 to 55 minutes.
- Once they are cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can spatchcock your Cornish hens and dry brine them in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before cooking.
- How to Store: Store the cooked and cooled hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- How to Reheat: Place the hens on a wire rack fitted in a baking pan and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.