Roasted Cornish Hens
Tender and juicy Cornish hens roasted to perfection with a fragrant herb butter and lemon. This impressive yet easy-to-make dish is perfect for a special dinner for two or a small gathering.
For 4 servings
Prepare the oven and hens: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the Cornish hens from their packaging and discard any giblets. Rinse the hens inside and out with cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and the zest of one lemon. Mix in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until well combined.
Season the hens: Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and thigh meat of each hen. Take about a tablespoon of the herb butter and rub it directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the outside of each hen with olive oil and the remaining herb butter. Season the cavity of each hen with the remaining salt and pepper.
Stuff and truss the hens: Place two lemon quarters and a sprig of rosemary and thyme inside the cavity of each hen. Truss the legs together with kitchen twine to help the hen cook evenly.
Roast the hens: Arrange the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or a large cast-iron skillet, ensuring they have some space between them. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.
Rest and serve: Remove the hens from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest for 10 minutes before carving or serving whole. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the hens are completely dry before seasoning; this is the secret to crispy, golden skin.
- 2Let the butter soften to room temperature for at least 30 minutes for easy mixing and spreading.
- 3Don't skip the resting step! It's essential for a juicy, tender result.
- 4A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
- 5For a simple pan sauce, remove the hens from the pan, pour off excess fat, and deglaze the pan on the stovetop with a splash of white wine or chicken broth.
- 6Serve with classic sides like roasted potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
To cook faster, spatchcock (butterfly) the hens by cutting out the backbone and pressing them flat. This can reduce roasting time by 15-20 minutes.
dairy freeDairy free
Replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of high-quality olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the butter by half and use more olive oil. Load the cavity with extra vegetables like onion and celery instead of just lemon.
low carbLow carb
This recipe is naturally low-carb. Serve with non-starchy vegetables like roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a side salad.