Cornish Hens Roasted with Chili Rub
This recipe for Cornish Hens Roasted with Chili Rub serves four and features a flavorful Mexican-inspired chili rub. The hens are rubbed with a mixture of chili rub, garlic, salt, lime juice, and olive oil, then roasted to a golden finish.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 12 tablespoons Chili Rub
- 16 Cornish hens about 1 pound each, rinsed, excess fat removed from cavities, and patted dry
- 4 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 12 medium garlic cloves pressed
- 12 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chili rub and remove 3 tablespoons for seasoning the hens. (Store remaining rub for future use in a sealed plastic bag.)
- In a small bowl, mix the 12 tablespoons chili rub, 12 medium pressed garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste), 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 12 tablespoons olive oil.
- Rub the mixture all over the 16 Cornish hens, about 1 pound each, rinsed, excess fat removed from cavities, and patted dry.
- Place the hens breast up on a large rack in a roasting pan.
- Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roast the hens breast side up for 25 minutes; then turn the hens over and roast until golden, about 10 minutes.
- Once again turn the hens, breast up, and roast 12 to 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when a thigh is pierced with the tip of a small sharp knife.
- Serve 1 hen per person.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Advice
Serve each Cornish hen whole to highlight the individual portions. Complement the dish with a variety of salsas such as Tomato and Corn Salsa, Pineapple Salsa, or Mango Salsa to add fresh, vibrant flavors. Adding a side of rice or beans will round out the meal and provide a satisfying balance. A simple green salad or grilled vegetables can also accompany the hens for a complete and colorful plate.Variations
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili rub or substitute with a less spicy seasoning blend. You can also experiment by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano to the rub mixture for an herbal note. Instead of roasting whole hens, you may cut them into halves or quarters to reduce cooking time and create more manageable portions. For a smoky twist, consider finishing the hens on a grill after roasting to add charred flavor. If preferred, swap lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus profile.Wine Advice
Zinfandel: Zinfandel's bold fruitiness and peppery spice complement the chili rub's smoky and spicy flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the roasted Cornish hens. Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay offers a creamy texture and subtle citrus notes that balance the heat and acidity from the lime juice in the rub, providing a refreshing contrast. Serve with a sparkling water infused with lime and a hint of mint to refresh the palate and complement the citrus and spice flavors of the dish. Estimated ingredient cost: USD 6.50 per serving, excluding optional sides and drinks. Local prices vary. Missing nutrition values have been estimated per serving; existing values were retained. Assumptions: Nutrition estimates are based on one serving consisting of one Cornish hen (approximately 1 pound) with the chili rub and accompanying ingredients as listed. Assumes edible portions after removing excess fat and bones. No sides or salsas included in nutrition calculation. Optional sides and drinks are excluded. Original recipe yield: Explicit source instruction yield: 1 pieces or portions; not an estimate. Ingredient quantities have been scaled to four portions.Nutrition values
Calories: 520 kcal | koolhydraten: 4 g | Eiwitten: 45 g | Vet: 35 g | Verzadigd vet: 7 g | Natrium: 850 mg | Suiker: 1 g