Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens
Cornish hens are so dainty, they immediately feel like a fancy way to serve roast chicken for company. But these Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens are just as lovely for a weeknight meal. The buttermilk brine infuses flavor and moisture to the hens.
Cornish hens are so dainty, they immediately feel like a fancy way to serve roast chicken for company. But these Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens are just as lovely for a weeknight meal. The buttermilk brine infuses flavor and moisture to the hens, and can be done the night before.
Note: This post first appeared March 10, 2013 and has been updated with improved kitchen notes, recipe annotation, photography and video. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen!
We were at my aunt’s house last night, seated in a corner of the crowded room, the old photo album in my lap. Yellowed self stick pages held precious black and white photographs, vestiges of our family history, in some cases with dates or ages written in tiny blue ink on the edges. My great grandmother, in traditional Maria Clara, looked severely at us from behind the plastic page. It was 1911, her expression severe, but she looked young and vulnerable, standing while holding her baby propped on a bench.
The photo below showed her as a mature woman, seated, still in traditional dress, surrounded by her sons and daughters, all in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Look, there is my grandmother, I pointed out to my husband. The writing on the photograph indicated that she was 40. And there is Lola Pacita, I smiled. She was 36. My grandmother’s younger sister, whom she lovingly called nene – little girl –, was the reason why we were there. She turned 90 years old this week, and our family had gathered from all over the bay to celebrate.
As we turned page after page, we were transported through the years, relatives slowly aging with each flip of the page. Uncles robust and young, in full military dress, confusing me because they looked so similar to cousins my own age. The family in the pictures grew in number, as my great grandmother’s children married and formed families of their own. Cousins, second cousins, little ones. All related.
And then we turned the last page. The last photo made me gasp. It was a snapshot at my parent’s wedding, my mother and father holding hands and making their way through the tables, greeting their guests. My mother’s eyes were in mid blink, a big smile on her face, and it was like looking at a mirror and seeing my sister at the same time. But what made me catch my breath was my dad. His expression. It was in a side smirk that was eerily familiar. My little boy’s smirk. I never realized it before, but the adorable idiosyncrasy my husband and I love about our son was actually a legacy from my father.
Our family history continues.
Cornish hens are more than just mini me’s of everyday chickens, I do believe that they have a special flavor all their own. And when prepared in a buttermilk brine, they are a wonderful change of pace from the standard roast chicken. I hope you enjoy these Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens. They’re incredibly simple, moist and full of flavor.
If you enjoyed these Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens, fire up the oven for these roasted chicken recipes:
Thai-spiced Mandarin Orange Roasted Chicken Thighs
Harissa-style Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash and Potatoes
Olive Brined Chicken Sandwich with Olive Tapenade
Filipino Chicken Adobo
Roast Chicken with Fig Chutney Sauce
Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds each
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 lemon halved
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
- fresh thyme
Instructions
- Rinse the Cornish hens under cool water, including the cavity. Pat dry with paper towels, set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, cumin and lime juice. Place the hens breast side down and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator. Let the hens brine for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Take the hens out of the brine and lightly pat dry with paper towels. Season the cavities with a little salt and pepper, and insert half a lemon and a sprig of thyme. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Brush the hens with melted butter, and season generously with salt and pepper. Place in a roasting pan. If you wish, you can surround the hens with red potatoes, brushed with butter and seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Place in the middle rack of the oven. Roast the hens for 50 minutes to 1 hour; until the skin is bronzed and the internal temperature in thickest part of the thigh is about 180°F.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
Can I cook these in a dutch oven?
Hello,
I’m Jackson, I’m a chef who loves food, I’m always interested in new foods. Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens is great! I just finished them tonight, taste is great and i had a great dinner with my little family. Thanks for your sharing.
Sincerely grateful!
Can these hen be cooked in a smoker
Hi Barry, while I have not tested this particular recipe in the smoker, I think the Cornish hens would be delicious cooked in a smoker! If you give it a try, do let me know how it turns out.
Great recipe! I just finished it last night and the result was unexpected, my wife and daughter both liked it, which made me happy. Thanks for your recipe!
Thank you, Elliott! I’m so happy you and your family enjoyed the cornish hens!
For some reason, I love cooking your recipes. It looks delicious, for sure this Buttermilk Brined Cornish Hens is going to be on my table tonight. Thank you, for this simple yet delicious looking recipe. !!
Taught my g-daughter this recipe to teach her how to read a recipe and cook it. Came out delicious.
good recipe
Was looking for a recipe for Cornish Hens and decided to look at yours. I haven’t tried it yet but wanted you to know I loved the story. That alone made me decide to try your recipe for Thanksgiving. Thank you
Hi Jodie, I’m so glad that you loved the story, that means so much! I hope you enjoy the recipe this Thanksgiving!
Made last night and was the best meal we have made in a long time. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Greg! I’m so thrilled that you all enjoyed it so much!! Thank you for coming back to let me know!
Made this last night and oh my goodness: AMAZING! I love Cornish Hens even more than conventional chicken and this recipe reminded me I should cook them more often.
I’m so glad you loved it, Ann! I love how Cornish hens can be perfect for dinner on a weekday yet fancy enough for guests!!
I made this tonight
First time EVER to make a Cornish Hen and it was amazing
Great Recipe!
The pictures are beautiful! Everything looks amazing!
Thank you, Carolyn!
Hey Liren….! I am also chef and really these Cornish hes are soooo beautiful and more delicious, I can’t wait making this. Thanks for sharing a beautiful story with amazing recipe…keep shared your new ideas with delicious recipes….!
Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind words, Samantha!
What a beautiful meal!
It’s definitely a favorite. Thanks, Ashley!