Discover the simple joy of making a perfectly Roasted Cornish Hen, an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe yields a beautifully golden-brown bird with incredibly juicy meat and crispy skin, making it an ideal centerpiece for a special occasion or a sophisticated weeknight dinner. Forget complicated techniques; this guide is all about straightforward steps for a guaranteed showstopper.
Whether you’re cooking for two or planning a small dinner party, a Roasted Cornish Hen offers a unique and personal dining experience. Each hen serves as a perfect single portion, making everyone at the table feel special. Let’s dive into how you can create this impressive meal with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
- Effortlessly Elegant: This dish looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant, yet it’s simple enough for any home cook to master.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A simple herb and garlic butter basting creates a rich, aromatic flavor that penetrates the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
- Perfectly Portioned: One hen is the ideal serving size, taking the guesswork out of meal planning.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to customize the seasonings or try different stuffing. If you enjoy this, you might also like our recipe for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens for a different twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Roasted Cornish Hen recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of quality ingredients to create a truly memorable meal.
- Cornish Hens: Two 1.5-2 lb Cornish game hens. Ensure they are fully thawed if previously frozen.
- Unsalted Butter: The base for our flavorful basting compound.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic depth.
- Herbs: A combination of fresh thyme and rosemary for that classic roasted flavor.
- Lemon: Used to stuff the cavity, it infuses the meat with a bright, citrusy essence.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the bird inside and out.
- Olive Oil: To help achieve that perfectly crispy skin.
How to Make The Perfect Roasted Cornish Hen
Follow these simple steps to achieve a flawless Roasted Cornish Hen every time. The key is in the preparation and roasting technique.
Step 1: Prepare the Hens
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the Cornish hens from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting that desirable crispy skin. Season the cavity of each hen generously with salt and pepper. Place a halved lemon, a sprig of thyme, and a sprig of rosemary inside each cavity.
Step 2: Create the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped thyme, and finely chopped rosemary. Mix until it forms a smooth, aromatic compound butter. This mixture is the secret to a moist and flavorful bird.
Step 3: Season the Hens
Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat of each hen. Take about half of the herb butter and spread it underneath the skin, directly onto the breast meat. This technique ensures the flavor penetrates deep into the hen. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the hens. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with more salt and pepper.
Step 4: Truss and Roast
Truss the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine. This helps the hen cook more evenly. Place the prepared hens in a roasting pan or a large oven-safe skillet. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful meat. Serve your perfect Roasted Cornish Hen whole for a stunning presentation.
Tips for the Best Roasted Cornish Hen
- Ensure Hens are Dry: Don’t skip patting the hens dry. A dry surface is essential for crispy skin.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your hens are cooked perfectly—not overcooked or undercooked.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the hens enough space in the roasting pan to allow hot air to circulate, which helps with even cooking and browning.
- Let It Rest: Resting the meat is non-negotiable. It’s the key to a juicy, tender result.
What to Serve with Your Cornish Hen
This Roasted Cornish Hen pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic meal, serve it with roasted potatoes and green beans. These Greek Lemon Potatoes (coming soon) add a wonderful citrusy note that complements the chicken. For a heartier option, a side of rice pilaf or a comforting Winter Vegetable Casserole works wonderfully. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette also provides a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the hen.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you should not cover the Cornish hens while baking. Leaving them uncovered allows the skin to get golden-brown and perfectly crispy.
The key to crispy skin is to pat the hen completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and to rub the skin with butter and a little olive oil. Roasting at a higher temperature, like 400°F, also helps crisp up the skin.
A standard 1.5-2 lb Cornish hen typically takes about 50-60 minutes to roast in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
A Cornish hen is a specific breed of broiler chicken that is smaller and younger, typically weighing only 1-2 pounds. They are known for their tender meat and are usually served as a single portion.
A Cornish hen is fully cooked and safe to eat when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) registers 165°F (74°C).
A Meal to Remember
This Roasted Cornish Hen recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It proves that you don’t need complicated steps or a long list of ingredients to create something truly special and delicious. We are confident this will become a go-to recipe in your collection for making any dinner feel like a celebration.
If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your beautiful creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
Roasted Cornish Hen: The Perfect Elegant Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Season the inside cavity of each hen with salt and pepper. Place a halved lemon and a sprig of thyme and rosemary into each cavity.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs until well combined.
- Carefully separate the skin from the breast meat. Rub half of the herb butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the hens. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Truss the legs with kitchen twine and place the hens in a roasting pan. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Notes
Patting the skin dry is the most important step for achieving crispy skin.
Use a meat thermometer for guaranteed perfect results.
