Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsParrain's Seafood RestaurantWhole Fried Cornish Hen Recipe

Whole Fried Cornish Hen Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Make Whole Fried Cornish Hen Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Optional Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Clean the Cornish Hens

    Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure to remove any giblets from the cavity.

  2. 2

    Season the Hens

    In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub this mixture all over the hens, including inside the cavity.

  3. 3

    Add Optional Ingredients

    If using, place fresh herbs and lemon slices inside the cavity of each hen for added flavor.

Cooking

  1. 4

    Heat Oil

    In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  2. 5

    Fry the Hens

    Carefully place the seasoned Cornish hens into the hot oil, breast side down. Fry for about 10-12 minutes until the skin is golden brown.

  3. 6

    Flip and Cook

    Using tongs, carefully flip the hens over and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  4. 7

    Drain and Rest

    Once cooked, remove the hens from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

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