Best Roasted Cornish Hen Ever

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Juicy, golden, and packed with herbaceous lemon-garlic flavor, this roasted Cornish hen recipe is a total game changer for any dinner table. It brings that same comforting, celebratory energy of a whole roasted chicken but in a fraction of the time—and with extra elegance.

Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for two or treating guests to a restaurant-style meal at home, this dish brings major flavor with minimal effort. The herbed butter soaks into every crevice of the hen, while the high-heat roasting method guarantees crispy, golden skin with juicy, tender meat underneath.

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Why You’ll Love This Roasted Cornish Hen

• Perfectly portioned: Each hen serves one, making it ideal for special dinners.
• Big flavor, low effort: No basting or complicated brines needed—just flavor-packed seasoning and a hot oven.
• Beautiful presentation: Impress guests with a golden bird that looks as good as it tastes.
• Flexible pairing: From mashed potatoes to wild rice, it pairs with almost anything.

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What Kind of Cornish Hen Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen Cornish game hens work perfectly in this recipe. If using frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed before roasting to ensure even cooking. Look for hens around 1 to 1.5 pounds each—the ideal size for single servings and quicker cooking.

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Ingredients for the Best Roasted Cornish Hen Ever

Cornish Game Hens – The star of the show! These small birds roast quickly and deliver juicy, tender meat.

Butter – Adds richness and helps the skin brown and crisp beautifully.

Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses deep flavor into the meat and the pan juices.

Lemon – Brightens the flavor and adds a subtle citrus note that balances the savory richness.

Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley) – A mix of fresh herbs adds earthy depth and aroma. Use a combination or your favorites.

Paprika – Adds gentle warmth and boosts the golden color of the skin.

Olive Oil – Helps the seasonings adhere and supports a crispy skin finish.

Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.

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How To Make the Best Roasted Cornish Hen Ever

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat the hens completely dry with paper towels. This step ensures crispy skin.

Step 2: Make the Herbed Butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful compound butter will be the magic maker.

Step 3: Season the Hens

Gently loosen the skin from the breast area of each hen and rub half the herbed butter underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside. Drizzle with olive oil and season again with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff and Truss

Stuff each hen with a lemon wedge and extra herb sprigs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help them cook evenly and maintain shape.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste once or twice with the pan juices for extra crisp and flavor.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for the juiciest meat possible.

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How to Serve These Cornish Hens

Each hen serves one person, making this recipe perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a small gathering of four. Plate them whole for stunning individual servings, or carve and serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or roasted root vegetables for a complete comfort meal.

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How to Store the Best Roasted Cornish Hen Ever

If you have leftovers, store the cooled hens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through—this helps preserve the crispy skin better than microwaving.

You can also freeze cooked hens (whole or carved) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prep Cornish hens ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and stuff them up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge and bring to room temperature before roasting.

How do I get the skin super crispy?
Dry the hens thoroughly before adding the butter and oil, and roast at high heat (425°F). A final broil for 2–3 minutes can also crisp up the skin.

Do I need to baste the hens while roasting?
It’s optional, but basting once or twice with pan juices helps keep the skin glossy and flavorful.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about one-third the amount. Fresh herbs offer brighter flavor, but dried work in a pinch.

Are Cornish hens just small chickens?
They’re a specific hybrid breed of chicken, smaller in size, typically weighing 1 to 1.5 pounds, and prized for their tenderness.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these Cornish hens, here are more cozy and savory meals to check out:

• Try this rich and comforting Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake.
• This Cheesy Creamed Spinach makes a fantastic side.
• Cozy up with Old-Fashioned Beef Stew on a chilly night.
• Don’t miss the cheesy goodness of Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce.
• For a fun twist, serve these with Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges.

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