brine for cornish hens recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best brine for cornish hens recipe

I’m so excited to share this brine for cornish hens recipe with you all today! I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The key to this recipe is in the brine itself – it’s what makes the chicken so tender and flavorful. I love how the acidity of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the brown sugar balance each other out, creating this perfect harmony of flavors.

It’s a game-changer for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to impress your friends with a delicious home-cooked meal. My kids love helping me make it in the kitchen, and they always get so excited when they see the finished product.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just mix all the ingredients together, submerge your cornish hens in the brine, and let them soak up all that goodness. I like to make a big batch of brine and store it in the fridge for up to a week, so I can just grab it whenever I need it.

It’s one of those recipes that never gets old, and I’m so glad I can share it with all of you today.

Cornish Hens Brine Recipe

4.9 from 1025 votes

This brine recipe enhances the flavor and juiciness of Cornish hens. It’s perfect for a flavorful and tender roasted poultry dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

1 cup salt
1 cup sugar
1 gallon water
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 head garlic, halved
1 tablespoon black peppercorns

For the Cornish Hens

4 Cornish hens
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of sugar.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
3Reduce heat to medium and add lemon slices, orange slices, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and peppercorns.
4Simmer for 5 minutes.
5Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
6Place Cornish hens in a large brine container.
7Pour the cooled brine over the hens, ensuring they are fully submerged.
8Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
9Remove hens from the brine, pat them dry with paper towels, and discard the brine.
10Preheat the oven to 425°F.
11Rub the hens with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
12Place them on a baking sheet, breast side up.
13Roast the hens for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
14Continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
15The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is cut.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Brine container
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can stuff the hens with herbs and citrus slices before roasting. Make sure to check the hens periodically during roasting to prevent overcooking.

Watch Video Of How Cornish Hens Brine Recipe Works

This brine for cornish hens recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to impress your friends with a delicious home-cooked meal.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time – just mix everything together, submerge your cornish hens in the brine, and let them soak up all that goodness.

You can store the leftover brine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it whenever you need it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cornish Hens Brine

Q: What is brine, and how does it work?

Brine is a liquid solution made from water, salt, sugar, and other flavorings. When you submerge your cornish hens in this solution, they absorb all those flavors and become incredibly tender and juicy.

Q: Can I use different types of citrus juice instead of lemon?

Sure thing! You can use lime or orange juice if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that lime will give you a bit more acidity, while orange will add a sweeter note.

Q: How long do I need to soak my cornish hens in the brine?

The longer they soak, the better they’ll be! Aim for at least 2 hours, but 4-6 hours is even better.

Q: Can I use this recipe for other types of poultry?

This recipe works beautifully with turkey or chicken breasts as well – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have any brown sugar on hand?

No worries! You can substitute it with white sugar or even honey if you prefer a different flavor.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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