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Roasted Cornish Hens

Deliciously roasted Cornish hens with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 525
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 pieces Cornish hens (giblets removed, over 1.5 lbs each) Choose fresh hens for best results.
  • ½ stick unsalted butter (softened) Use room temperature butter for easy spreading.
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust salt usage based on seasoning salt content.
  • ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tsp honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for variations.
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes Adjust for heat preference.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp rosemary (chopped)
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium yellow onion (cut into quarters)
  • 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
  • 4 pieces potatoes (quartered, red or yellow)
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 3 sprigs rosemary
  • ½ lemon (cut into slices) Enhances flavor during roasting.
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients
  • Salt to taste Salt Use according to taste.
  • Pepper to taste Pepper Use according to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Grease an oven-safe dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Add all the oven prep ingredients (lemon, onion, garlic, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary) to the dish and spread them out evenly.
  4. Pat the hens dry and cut out the backbone. Gently press down on the breast to flatten the hen.
  5. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Let the hens sit for about 10 minutes.
  7. In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the compound butter and mix until smooth.
  8. Lift the breast skin and place some butter underneath, then spread the remaining butter all over the Cornish hens.
Cooking
  1. Place the hens in the prepared oven-safe dish.
  2. Roast in the oven for 50 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
  3. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when done.

Notes

For best results, use an oven-safe thermometer to monitor the temperature. Brining the hens beforehand can enhance flavor and moisture. Serve with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.