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Spatchcock Cornish Game Hen

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Crispy-skinned, juicy Cornish game hen, spatchcocked and halved for even cooking and easy serving. Pan-seared in a skillet with a simple, flavorful rub—ready in about 30 minutes for a rustic, elegant dinner that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon coriander
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Additional olive oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. While the oven heats, place a Cornish game hen, breast-side down, on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it completely. (You can save the backbone for stock, if desired.) Flip the bird over and press down firmly on the breastbone with the heel of your hand to flatten. Then, using a sharp knife, cut straight down through the center of the breast to separate the hen into two halves. Repeat with the second hen. You should now have four even halves, ready for seasoning.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended. Brush the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each game hen half.
  4. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (see note). Once hot, place the game hen halves skin side down in the pan. If your skillet isn’t large enough to hold all four halves without crowding, sear in batches and transfer to a baking sheet to finish in the oven.
  5. Cook skin-side down and sear for 2–3 minutes, just until lightly browned. Flip the hens, then transfer the skillet directly to the oven (or move the hens to a preheated baking sheet if needed).
  6. Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving.

Equipment

Find it online: https://foodienoise.com/spatchcock-cornish-game-hen/