Rub hens with 1 tablespoon olive oil; lightly season with salt and pepper. Stuff 1 lemon quarter and 1 rosemary sprig into each cavity. Place hens in a large, heavy roasting pan and arrange garlic cloves around them. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Roasted Cornish Hen
Roasted Cornish Hen is tender, juicy, and oh-so-flavorful! The whole family will love this easy dish!
Prep: 20min
Total: 85min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 568 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Protein 39 g, Fat 42 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Cholesterol 227 mg, Sodium 450 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 2 cornish hens (about 1.5 pounds each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound potatoes (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
Instruction:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Toss vegetables with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt & pepper to taste (add extra herbs if you’d like).
- Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and herbs in a small bowl. Brush hens with olive oil mixture. Twist wings to tuck under the bird.
- Place hens in a large casserole dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the prepared vegetables around the hens and place in the oven. Reduce heat to 400°F.
- Bake 55-65 minutes or just until hens reach 165°F with a thermometer and vegetables are tender. (Ensure the thermometer does not touch the bone.)
- Remove from the oven and loosely tent with foil for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Cut hens in half using kitchen scissors and serve.
How To Make Perfect Roasted Cornish Hens | Tender, Juicy, & Delicious!
FAQ
What is the difference between regular chicken and Cornish game hen?
Cornish hens are butchered younger, which tends to make their meat more tender than chickens when cooked.
What temperature should Cornish game hens be cooked to?
Roast, uncovered, basting frequently with butter for 1 hour (if hen weighs over 1lb 2oz, roast 1 hour and 15 minutes) or until internal temperature on instant read thermometer reaches 180°F when inserted into inner thigh.
Do you clean out Cornish hens before cooking?
They cost more than regular chicken, but as splurges go, it’s a cheap thrill. Aside from the diminutive size, their most notable trait is the tenderness of their meat, and the way it can accommodate a lemony marinade or quickly absorb the flavors of a spice rub.
