This roasted Cornish hen recipe is an easy and elegant way to make a meal that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet fancy enough for a special occasion. The hens are coated in butter, garlic and herbs, then cooked in the oven for perfectly tender and juicy results every time.
When I’m looking for dinner recipes that will impress my family and friends, I turn to rack of lamb, grilled lobster, beef tenderloin with garlic butter or these flavorful Cornish game hens.
My mom used to make this Cornish game hen recipe all the time when I was growing up, and it was always so fun to eat these “baby chickens”. My version of this dish includes plenty of fresh herbs, and a rich butter rub that makes the skin golden brown and keeps the meat juicy.
Table of Contents
Roasted Cornish Hen Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need Cornish hens, rosemary, thyme, onion, lemon, butter, garlic, parsley, salt and black pepper.
How Do You Make Roasted Cornish Hen?
Start by mixing together softened butter with fresh garlic, minced herbs, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Tuck the wings of the hens under the birds. Place a slice of lemon and onion and sprigs of herbs in the cavity of each hen, then tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Coat the birds with the butter mixture and place them on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast the hens until they are cooked though, and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Let the birds rest for a few minutes. Slice in half and serve, garnished with herbs and lemon slices if desired.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- The best way to gauge when your Cornish hens are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the bird without touching any bone. The temperature should read at least 165 degrees F when the birds are done.
- I typically serve half a bird per person. If your birds are on the smaller side, it’s fine to serve a whole one.
- Work quickly when you spread the butter over the hens. The butter can solidify when it touches the cold bird, which makes it harder to spread. You can also swap out the butter for olive oil if you prefer.
- Feel free to add some vegetables to your baking dish such as potatoes or carrots.
- For an extra flavorful hen, you can brine them first for up to 8 hours in my chicken brine.
Quick Tip
Leftover Cornish hen will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Recipe FAQs
A Cornish hen is a type of young chicken, and is typically comes from the Cornish or White Plymouth Rock chicken breeds. You may also see it as Cornish game hen at the store, although it is not a true game bird. Cornish hens are in the meat department of most grocery stores, typically in the freezer area.
Cornish hens have a flavor that is reminiscent of standard chickens, but they are often more tender. A typical hen will weigh between 1-2 pounds, whereas a chicken can be anywhere from 3-7 pounds in size. A hen will also take less time to cook compared to chicken because of its smaller size.
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What To Serve With Cornish Hens
I like to serve my roasted hens with a side of potatoes, rice or mac and cheese. You can never go wrong with a salad or green veggie to round out the meal.
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese: Make this ultra creamy mac and cheese while your birds are cooking away in the oven.
- Roasted Parsnips: Prepare a tray of these parsnips and put them in the oven 30 minutes before the hens are done.
- Succotash: This colorful blend of veggies with crispy bacon is the perfect counterpart to the hens.
- Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes: The slow cooker does most of the work on this one, serve the birds on top of the potatoes with the pan juices drizzled over the top.
- Green Beans with Bacon: You simply can’t go wrong with this classic flavor combination!
Flavor Variations
While this dish is delicious as-is, you can easily customize some of the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- Seasonings: Feel free to use a variety of seasonings in your butter. Some great options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sage or marjoram.
- Protein: Can’t find hens at your grocery store? You can do this recipe with a whole chicken for the BEST roast chicken, chicken legs or even turkey thighs. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Once you see how easy it is to make this dish, you’ll find yourself preparing it on a regular basis!
More Main Course Options
Roasted Cornish Hen Video
Love This Recipe?
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Roasted Cornish Hen
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens 1.5 – 2 pounds each
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 small onion cut into wedges
- 1/2 lemon cut into wedges
- 6 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley leaves minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking spray
- herb sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Tuck the wings underneath the breast of each hen. Stuff each hen cavity with the rosemary and thyme sprigs, onion and lemon.
- Tie the legs of the hens together with kitchen twine.
- Place the butter, garlic, minced thyme, rosemary and parsley, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the hens, both on the outside of the hens and underneath the skin.
- Place the hens in the prepared dish.
- Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F. The cook time may vary a bit depending on the size of your birds.
- If the skin is getting overly dark as the hens cook, them with foil.
- Let the hens rest for 5 minutes. Remove the lemon, onion and herbs from the hen cavities. Cut in half, then serve with pan drippings. Garnish with lemon and herbs if desired.
Notes
- The best way to gauge when your Cornish hens are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the bird without touching any bone. The temperature should read at least 165 degrees F when the birds are done.
- I typically serve half a bird per person. If your birds are on the smaller side, it’s fine to serve a whole one.
- Work quickly when you spread the butter over the hens. The butter can solidify when it touches the cold bird, which makes it harder to spread.
Do you think this recipe would work the same for a small (just over 2lb) chicken?
Yes it should work you may just need to cook it for a little longer!
Made this for dinner last night and it was a hit all around the table! Easy, tender and perfectly juicy; my whole family loved it!
You brought out some great flavors to cornish hen. Loving the rosemary, thyme, parsley, with garlic that are all packed on here. A perfect date night idea!
Your recipe reminded me of my Mom’s recipe. It was delicious and seasoned just right. I will make this over and over again.
They look so elegant and perfectly delicious! I love that they are easy enough to make on weeknight too!
This recipe is sure to impress! Definitely putting this on my must-make list for our next dinner party!
Never knew it was this simple to make Cornish hen. Your herbed butter is perfect on these birds.
Oh wow! I love how versatile this roasted Cornish hen is for both busy days and special celebrations. Such an amazing combination of flavors.
I love Cornish hens, they’re like a personal sized roasted chicken! Thanks for this keeper of a recipe, love making it for a special occasion, easy but elegant in appearance!
This chicken came out so flavorful and moist! Will be making again, thank you!
What a fabulous recipe! I love cooking Cornish hens and the butter herb rub you put on here is perfection. Great for a special occasion or weeknight dinner. YUM!