There’s something undeniably special about a Cornish Hen Recipe. Maybe it’s their charming, smaller size or the fact that each guest gets their own perfectly roasted bird. I still remember the first time I served them for a holiday dinner in my tiny New York apartment, the table looked like it belonged in a magazine, and my guests were blown away before they even took a bite.
Cornish hens are perfect when you want a dish that feels elegant but is secretly simple to make. The skin turns golden and crispy, the meat stays juicy, and the aroma of herbs and butter fills the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a festive celebration, this recipe will make you look like a pro without breaking a sweat.
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The Secret to Making Cornish Hens Taste Amazing
- Perfect size for individual servings: no carving needed, just plate and serve
- Even cooking: smaller birds cook faster and more evenly than a whole chicken
- Elegant presentation: instantly makes a dinner feel more special
- Customizable flavors: swap herbs, marinades, or spices to suit your taste
- Easy prep: minimal fuss for maximum flavor
If you’re gluten-free, just make sure to use a gluten-free stock and seasoning blend. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a good quality olive oil or dairy-free butter substitute.
You can also check out the USDA guidelines on cooking poultry safely to make sure your hens are perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
No-Stress Cornish Hen Cooking Game Plan
Cornish hens are easy to work with, but a little planning makes the cooking process completely stress-free. The trick is getting a few things done before it’s go-time so all you need to do is pop them in the oven and wait for that mouthwatering aroma.
Here’s what you can have ready:
- Thaw the hens — If frozen, place them in the refrigerator at least 24 hours before cooking
- Mix the seasoning blend — Combine your herbs, spices, and salt in a small jar
- Make the garlic herb butter — Prepare and store in the fridge so it’s ready to rub under the skin
- Chop aromatics — Garlic, onion, or lemon wedges can be prepped a day ahead
- Preheat the roasting pan — Have your pan and rack ready for when the oven heats up
- Measure liquids — Stock, wine, or any basting sauce can be measured ahead of time
Recipe Card
Cornish Hen Recipe
2
servings15
minutes50
minutes600
kcalThis Cornish hen recipe yields a savory, beautifully roasted dish that’s perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.
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Ingredients
2 Cornish hens, about 1-1.5 lbs each
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 tbsp melted butter
1 lemon, quartered
Fresh herbs for garnish (like thyme or rosemary)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Hens: Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and rosemary.
- Prepare for Roasting: Place a lemon quarter inside each hen cavity. Brush melted butter on the skin for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Roast: Arrange the hens on a roasting pan and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & Serve: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure hens reach 165°F internally.
- Basting with butter halfway through roasting enhances flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 58g
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Tips for The Perfect Cornish Hen Recipe
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing the hens on a wire rack inside your roasting pan allows heat to circulate, cooking the hens more evenly.
- Marinate in Advance: For extra flavor, marinate the hens in the fridge with herbs and spices for up to 4 hours before roasting.
- Stuffing Options: Try adding garlic cloves or fresh herbs inside the hens for added aroma.
- Crisp Skin: To get the skin extra crispy, finish with a few minutes under the broiler—but watch closely to avoid burning.
Change It Up With These Variations
If you are like me you love playing around with ingredients based on what is in the fridge or what your cravings demand so here are a few ideas to switch things up
- Garlic Herb Lemon Hens – Use fresh chopped parsley and rosemary in the butter mixture with extra garlic for a garden-fresh taste
- Spicy Cajun Hens – Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Southern kick
- Asian-Inspired Hens – Use soy sauce instead of chicken stock add a bit of honey and sesame oil to the butter mixture and garnish with scallions
- Maple Mustard Glazed Hens – Mix Dijon mustard and maple syrup then brush it over the hens in the last 10 minutes for a sweet-savory crust
What Can You Serve with Cornish Hen?
For an unforgettable meal, pair this succulent Cornish hen with your Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans. The savory, buttery beans add a warm, comforting touch that beautifully complements the tender, flavorful hen. Together, they create a well-balanced plate that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
For an extra layer of comfort and indulgence, add a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes or fragrant jasmine rice. The rich, velvety potatoes bring a satisfying contrast to the crisp skin of the Cornish hen, while the jasmine rice adds a subtle floral aroma that beautifully complements the dish. With these sides, your meal transforms into an elegant feast that feels both hearty and refined, perfect for impressing guests or elevating a quiet evening at home.
How to Store Cornish Hen
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F to retain moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Sage, parsley, and oregano all work well with Cornish hens.
Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just cook over indirect heat and monitor the temperature.
While not essential, basting with butter halfway through can make the skin crispier.
A Delicious Ending to a Simple Meal
This Cornish hen recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion but is simple enough for a cozy weekend dinner. It is elegant flavorful and endlessly adaptable. Once you make it a couple of times you will find it becomes a go-to for both entertaining and satisfying your own comfort food cravings.
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