Fried Cornish Hen

Fried Cornish hen recipe featuring a whole Cornish hen marinated, well seasoned and deep fried to a fine crispiness and great flavor.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 pint Buttermilk
• 1 bunch Fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
• 1 bunch Fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp vodka
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup corn starch
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp Chile powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tbsp allspice
• 1/2 tbsp black pepper
• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 lb cornish hen
• Vegetable oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Marinade Instructions ---
2. 2Blend buttermilk and herbs in a blended.
3. 3Place cornish hen in an extra large ziplock bag and add marinade. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight
4. 4--- Spice Rub Instructions ---
5. 5Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl and reserve.
6. 6--- Frying Instructions ---
7. 7Remove hen from refrigerator and let reach room temperature
8. 8Add oil to the fryer. Be sure not to fill it too high as the hen will take up much space so you’ll need to leave room to prevent overflow. Bring fryer to 350 degrees
9. 9Mix in about a 1/3 of the spice rub with the flour and corn starch.
10. 10Dredge the hen in the flour mixture and then using long tongs slowly add the chicken to the hot oil. If it looks like you’re at risk of overflow, stop at this point, remove the chicken, let the oil cool and remove oil as needed.
11. 11Fry the hen for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Place the thermometer into the thigh to check for doneness. You’re good to go at 165 degrees.
12. 12Remove the hen and place on a cooling rack and let rest 5-10 minutes.
13. 13Cut into quarters and serve.