CORNISH GAME HEN THREE WAYS

Cornish Game Hen Three Ways image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

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2 tablespoons dark chili powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon celery powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup dried lemon peel
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/4 cup dried thyme
3 tablespoons ground coriander seeds
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Three 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-pound Rock Cornish game hens
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a shallow roasting pan with foil and set aside.
For the blackening spice: In a bowl stir together the dark chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, celery powder, dried parsley, dried thyme and cayenne pepper. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 2/3 cup.
For the lemon pepper seasoning: In a bowl, stir together the pepper, dried lemon peel, dried minced onion, dried thyme, coriander seeds and sugar if using. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 1 1/4 cups.
For the game hens: Sprinkle one of the game hens all over with 2 tablespoons blackening spice. Sprinkle another game hen all over with 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning. Sprinkle the third all over with the rosemary and thyme, garlic, and some salt and pepper. Place the game hens, breast-side up, in the pan; twist the wing tips under the backs. Roast, uncovered, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh of each hen registers 180 degrees F, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.