Go Back

Roasted Cornish Hens

Deliciously roasted Cornish hens with crispy skin and tender meat, enhanced by garlic, rosemary, and lemon for a flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces Cornish hens
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 piece lemon cut in half
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter dotted on top
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels, remove any giblets, and trim any excess fat.
  3. Rub the hens with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and rosemary.
  4. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the hens. Place the squeezed lemon halves and some rosemary sprigs into the cavities of the hens.
Cooking
  1. Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting rack in a baking dish and dot them with butter.
  2. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to keep the juices locked in.

Notes

For extra moist meat, consider brining the hens in a saltwater solution for several hours before cooking. Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme or sage for unique flavors. If you prefer extra crispy skin, broil the hens for the last couple of minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.