Deep Fried Cornish Game Hens

Transform your dinner table with these irresistibly crispy and golden Deep Fried Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping dish that pairs tender, flavorful meat with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating. These petite hens are marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce for hours, ensuring unparalleled juiciness and a subtle kick of heat. Coated in a savory blend of flour, garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne for an extra kick, each bite is packed with bold, comforting flavors. Fried to perfection in hot oil, these hens are golden and crispy on the outside while staying juicy and moist on the inside. Ideal for a special occasion or an indulgent dinner, serve these hens with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal. Perfectly seasoned and expertly fried, these Cornish game hens are the ultimate comfort food experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole (approximately 1-1.5 pounds each) Cornish game hens
• 4 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 gallon Vegetable oil (or peanut oil)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure the cavities are emptied of any giblets. Split each hen in half using kitchen shears or a sharp knife for even cooking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the hen halves in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, preferably, overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 3

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. This will serve as your dry coating.

Step 4

Remove the hens from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each hen half thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place them on a wire rack and let them sit for 10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil’s temperature for consistent frying.

Step 6

Carefully lower the hens into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 15-20 minutes, turning the hens occasionally to ensure even cooking. The hens should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 7

Once cooked, transfer the fried Cornish game hens to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Step 8

Allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, a side of coleslaw, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(6392.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	36850.5

Total Fat 3954.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 596.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 1067.4mg	0%
Sodium 7328.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 341.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.5g	0%
Total Sugars 49.3g
Protein 348.4g	0%

Vitamin D 627.5IU	0%
Calcium 1430.9mg	0%
Iron 34.8mg	0%
Potassium 4723.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 92.8%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 3.6%