Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease an oven-safe dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Add all the oven prep ingredients—lemon, onion, smashed garlic, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary—to the dish and spread them out evenly.
- Pat dry the Cornish hens to remove excess moisture. Cut out the backbone of each hen and gently press down on the breast to flatten them.
- Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the hens sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to help the butter spread more easily.
Making Compound Butter
- In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the compound butter: softened butter, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, honey, paprika, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Mix until smooth.
Roasting
- Carefully lift the skin of the hen's breasts and add a layer of the compound butter underneath.
- Spread the remaining butter all over the surface of the Cornish hens.
- Place the hens in the prepared baking dish and roast in the oven for about 50 minutes, basting them with their juices every 15 minutes.
- Use an oven-safe thermometer to ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
Serve with your favorite sides and drizzle any leftover pan juices over the plates. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. To store, let leftovers cool before placing in an airtight container, good for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
