Roasted Cornish Hen
An elegant yet simple main course, these Roasted Cornish Hens are incredibly juicy and flavorful. Seasoned with a fragrant garlic-herb butter and roasted to a perfect golden-brown, they are ideal for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Hens
- b.Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- c.Remove giblets from the Cornish hens, if included. Rinse the hens inside and out with cold water.
- d.Pat the hens completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy, golden-brown skin.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Garlic Herb Butter
- b.In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
- c.Mash the ingredients together with a fork until they form a smooth, well-combined paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season the Hens
- b.Carefully slide your fingers between the skin and the breast meat of each hen to create a pocket.
- c.Divide the herb butter into four portions. Push one portion under the skin of each hen, spreading it evenly over the breast meat.
- d.Rub any remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the hens.
- e.Season the cavity of each hen with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stuff and Truss
- b.Place one quarter of the lemon and one quarter of the onion inside the cavity of each hen.
- c.Cross the legs of each hen and tie them together securely with kitchen twine. Tuck the wing tips under the body.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Roast the Hens
- b.Place the trussed hens breast-side up on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan. Ensure there is space between them for air circulation.
- c.Drizzle the hens with olive oil.
- d.Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to create steam and prevent drippings from burning.
- e.Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes to brown the skin.
- f.Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for another 25-30 minutes.
- g.The hens are cooked when the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) registers 165°F (74°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven. Transfer the roasted hens to a cutting board or serving platter.
- c.Tent the hens loosely with foil and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moister meat.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy skin, season the hens and let them rest, uncovered, in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This dries out the skin.
- 2Allow the hens to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure more even cooking.
- 3A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
- 4Don't discard the pan drippings! Skim off the excess fat and use the remaining juices to make a delicious pan sauce or gravy.
- 5Ensure the herbs are finely chopped to spread more easily in the butter mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Variations
Substitute the thyme and rosemary with other woody herbs like sage or marjoram. You can also add finely chopped parsley for freshness.
Citrus TwistCitrus Twist
Use orange or blood orange wedges instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor profile. Add a teaspoon of zest to the butter mixture.
Roast with VegetablesRoast with Vegetables
Toss 2 cups of chopped root vegetables (like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips) with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and scatter them in the roasting pan around the hens. They will cook in the flavorful drippings.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Cornish hen provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
It is a good source of B vitamins, especially niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6), which play a vital role in converting food into energy and supporting nervous system health.
Provides Essential Minerals
Contains important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and phosphorus, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Roasted Cornish Hen contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact size of the hen and the amount of skin consumed.