Crispy Buttermilk-Brined Deep Fried Cornish Hens

Waaaake up, y’all! It’s Marwin, your flavor DJ, broadcasting straight from the corner of Flavor Town and Crunch Avenue. Today, we’re dropping the hottest track in the culinary game—deep-fried Cornish hens! We’re talkin’ golden-brown, buttermilk-brined, herb-infused, spice-rubbed, and fried to crispy perfection.

These little birds are bringing a soulful harmony of juicy tenderness and bold, crispy skin that’s gonna make your taste buds sing hallelujah! So, grab your aprons and turn up the heat, ‘cause this dish is ready to take you on a deep-fried journey that’s finger-lickin’, flavor-seekin’, and straight-up irresistible!”

Related Cornish Hen Recipe Posts:

• Smoked Cornish Hen
• Roasted Cornish Hens

The brine and the homemade chicken rub give this fried hen an abundance of flavor. It’s got a sweet heat from the combination of chili powder, cinnamon, and garlic salt. Poultry seasoning is also a key ingredient in the rub, enhancing the flavor and contributing to a golden crust and juicy tenderness.

I was looking for whole chicken for single, individual serving size. It’s always a pain to fry an entire chicken and not be able to eat the whole bird. A deep fried Cornish hen sounds sophisticated and complicated, but in reality, it is A-U-T-Omatic!

Frying a whole bird is fun in and of itself, but the spice mix adds another element of fun. Cinnamon and Chile powder are the base of the rub, but it’s the cinnamon that provides the whoa! factor.

I know you’re probably thinking, wtf, cinnamon chicken? Back in the day, I used to watch a lot of Bobby Flay and he used a lot of spice blends pairing cinnamon and chilis which gave me the idea to create the rub in this fried Cornish hen recipe. The cinnamon adds flavor, color, and a great aroma.

Fried Cornish Hen Recipe vs Chicken

Cornish hen is chicken so it taste like chicken and shares most of the same qualities as chicken. It is, however, younger and much smaller than your typical fryer. Youth equals tender, but milder in flavor. To boost the flavor you need a good marinade or seasoning mix. Place the seasoned hens into a roasting pan breast side up for roasting.

I used a spiced buttermilk marinade plus finished the hen off with a cinnamon and chili powder based spice mix. Adding olive oil to the marinade enhances the flavor and moisture. Youth also means lean, lower fat and fewer calories. And at such a smaller size, you can treat a whole hen as a single serve. Hence, I fried it whole and ate it all by my self! This recipe makes regular fried chicken recipes seem super boring!

Beats and Eats (music to pair with fried cornish hen)

The Pointer Sisters' song "Automatic" pairs so well with deep-fried Cornish hen because both bring a sense of rhythm, energy, and satisfaction.

"Automatic" has a smooth, groovy beat that gets you moving, with its funky bassline and electronic vibe creating an irresistible rhythm.

Deep-fried Cornish hen offers a crispy, golden exterior that’s equally irresistible. The crunch and juiciness provide a rhythmic eating experience that syncs perfectly with the beat of the song.

The song's confident, catchy lyrics and strong vocal delivery make it a timeless hit. Deep-fried Cornish hen is bold and flavorful, with its seasoned crust and tender meat making a strong statement at the table.

"Automatic" is an uplifting track that fills you with energy and good vibes. A well-fried Cornish hen is incredibly satisfying, offering a hearty, comforting meal that leaves you feeling content and energized.

Ingredients Needed For Deep Fried Cornish Hen

For the Buttermilk Brine

• Buttermilk
• Fresh Cilantro
• Fresh Parsley
• Kosher Salt
• Vodka

For the Dredge

• All-Purpose Flour
• Corn Starch
• Ground Cinnamon
• Chili Powder
• Brown Sugar
• Allspice
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Smoked Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper (optional)

For the Frying

• Cornish Hens
• Vegetable Oil or Peanut Oil

How to cook Cornish hen

My mom is a big fan of Cornish hens and frequently roasts or bakes them, not unlike most Cornish hen recipes. I decided to break from tradition and fry mine. Deep-frying cooks the hen faster creating a moist flesh with a super crispy crust.

I followed the same approach as my fried jerk chicken recipe, but just changed up the flavors. I used an herb and buttermilk marinade, then seasoned the flour with a Southwestern based rub, which contained cinnamon, chili powders, and garlic. Rather than cutting the hen into pieces, I fried it whole. Just remember, if you’ve deep fried a turkey before, this fried cornish hen recipe is the same.

Clean hens first in a large bowl using cold water and lemon juice mix.

Step 1: Brine overnight in buttermilk. Drizzle olive oil over the hens before frying.

Step 2: Dredge in flour + corn starch + chicken rub (I like to mix spices together in a small bowl)

Step 3: Heat oil in a deep fryer set to medium heat. Place hens in the fryer.

Step 4: Remove from oil, pat dry, and let rest. Hens should be a deep golden brown color. Check the internal temperature to ensure the breast reaches at least 165° F and the internal thigh temperature is 180° F.

Step 5: Add used hot oil from the fryer to the chicken and season with spice rub.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or maybe a squeeze of lemon juice.

What To Serve With Deep Fried Cornish Hens

Deep-fried Cornish hen pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its crispy, flavorful exterior. Here are some great options to serve with it:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes balance the richness of the fried hen, providing a smooth contrast to the crispy texture.
2. Collard Greens: These Southern-style greens, slow-cooked with smoked meat, add a savory, slightly bitter note that pairs well with the rich flavors of the hen.
3. Cornbread: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread is a perfect accompaniment, offering a soft, crumbly texture that contrasts with the fried hen. Hot water cornbread is another and favorite option of mine.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese adds a comforting and indulgent element to the meal, complementing the hen’s crispy coating.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw like this collard greens slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the fried hen, cutting through the richness with a bit of acidity.
6. Green Beans: Sautéed green beans or Southern green beans offer mucho flavor that complements the flavors of the hen.
7. Biscuits: Flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern side that pairs perfectly with fried Cornish hen, adding an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

Fried Hen Cooking Tips

• Many recipes call to inject breast of the hen, but I rely simply on the marinade which is more than enough in my opinion.
• Cut the skin open where the breast meets the thigh. This will reduce the possibility of a sudden release of moisture, which can be dangerous while the chicken is submerged in the hot oil
• Slowly lower the basket into the oil.  Work gently and slowly to avoid oil splatters.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The thigh should register 165 degrees

MORE FRIED CHICKEN RECIPES

Garam Masala Spiced Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings

Naked Fried Chicken

Deep Fried Pork Chops

Jerk Fried Chicken

Brazilian Chicken Wings

Lemon Pepper Wings

Jerk Wings

Harissa Wings

Making This Fried Cornish Hen Recipe

And that’s a wrap on today’s flavor-packed groove, brought to you by the flavor doctor himself. Buttermilk-brined Cornish hens, seasoned to perfection, fried to a golden crisp, and ready to steal the show at your next feast.

Whether you’re throwin’ down for Sunday dinner or flexin’ your culinary skills for a crowd, this dish is a guaranteed chart-topper.

So, remember - Keep it crispy, keep it juicy, and most importantly, keep it soulful. Until next time, stay delicious, stay bold, and always keep your plates full of love!

If you make this fried chicken recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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