If you want an impressive yet effortless main course, roasted Cornish hens are the way to go. Ready in just 60 minutes, these tender hens are rubbed with a handful of pantry staples and roasted to perfection.
Whether it’s a summertime cookout, a holiday meal like Thanksgiving, or an intimate dinner party, this recipe promises to be a hit with everyone.
Table of contents
The Best Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
Roasted Cornish hens are my go-to! They’re a breeze to roast, and serving is effortless—slice them in half for neat, individual portions. A quick and easy meal everyone will love!
Roasted Cornish hens are one of those easy recipes I make when I want to make a fabulous main dish without much effort; perfect for a holiday meal like Christmas or Thanksgiving or a special family dinner.
What You Will Need
- Whole Cornish Hens
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt
- Dried Thyme
- Dried Rosemary
- Garlic Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Black Pepper
- Optional: Lemon Wedges For Serving
How to Roast Cornish Hens
Preheat the Oven
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Prepare the Hens
Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning. Place the hens on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan with enough space between them for even airflow.
Season the Hens
Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil per hen and rub it over the entire surface. Combine the kosher salt, dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over and inside the hens. For extra flavor, place a lemon wedge or a sprig of fresh herbs inside the cavity.
Roast the Hens
Place the hens in the preheated oven and roast for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring moist and tender meat. Garnish with fresh herbs or serve with additional lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
How Long to Roast Cornish Hens
Cornish hens should be roasted for approximately 50 to 60 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but the exact time may vary depending on their size.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are perfectly cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. This guarantees the meat is safe to eat and remains juicy.
After roasting, allow the hens to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and flavorful when served. Adjust the roasting time slightly if the hens are larger or smaller than average.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cornish hen meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place pieces in a baking dish with a small amount of chicken broth and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out.
Other Poultry Recipes
Here are some of my favorite poultry recipes
- Roast Turkey
- Roasted Turkey Breast
- Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
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Roasted Cornish Hen
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish Hens
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Optional: Lemon Wedges For Serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil per hen and rub to coat evenly. Combine the kosher salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the hens, including inside the cavity.
- For added flavor, place lemon wedges or a sprig of rosemary and thyme inside each cavity.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite side dishes and garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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