Oven Roasted Cornish Hen
Herb butter-rubbed Cornish game hens roasted to golden perfection with crispy skin and juicy meat that makes every kid feel like they got their own personal chicken.
- Cook temp
- 425°F
- 218°C · preheat
- Total time
- 65 min
- 15 prep · 50 cook · 10 rest
- Pull at
- 165°F
- USDA safe minimum
- Rest
- 10 min
- Before slicing
Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary | Allrecipes · Allrecipes
Nicole McLaughlin shows how to rub garlic herb butter over Cornish hens and roast them at high heat for crisp skin.
- Target //Cook at 425°F (218°C) for 65 mins.
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 165°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 10 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //Cornish hens are the dad shortcut to looking like a culinary genius. Same technique as roasting a full chicken but they cook in under an hour and everyone gets their own bird. Presentation points are off the charts.
- Family Tweak //Remove the skin and pull the breast meat off the bone in strips for younger kids. Serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 wholeCornish Game Hens, 1.5 lbs each
- 4 tbspUnsalted Butter, softened
- 3 clovesGarlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tbspFresh Rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbspFresh Thyme, leaves only
- 2 wholeLemon, halved
- 1 tbspOlive Oil
- 1 tspKosher Salt
- 1/2 tspBlack Pepper
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Get to the point
- 1
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme; rub generously under and over the skin of 4 Cornish hens.
- 2
Season hens with salt and pepper, stuff cavities with lemon halves, and tie legs with kitchen twine.
- 3
Roast at 425°F (218°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until skin is deep golden and thigh reads 165°F.
- 4
Rest 10 minutes before serving one whole hen per person.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offPrep the Herb Butter
Combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
WhySoftened butter is key. Cold butter tears the skin instead of sliding smoothly underneath.
Season & Stuff
Pat 4 Cornish hens (1.5 lb each) completely dry. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs with your fingers. Spread herb butter under the skin and rub any remaining over the outside. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cut 2 lemons in half and place one half inside each cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen twine. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
WhyGetting butter under the skin bastes the meat from the inside while keeping the skin dry enough to crisp.
Roast to Perfection
Place hens breast-side up on a roasting pan or rimmed sheet pan. Roast at 425°F (218°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
WhyDo not open the oven for the first 30 minutes. Every peek drops the temperature and slows crisping.
Rest & Serve
Remove hens from the oven and let rest on the pan for 10 minutes. Spoon any pan juices over the top before serving. Each person gets their own whole hen.
WhyKids absolutely love getting their own personal chicken. It turns a regular Tuesday into a feast.
- Dad pro tip
- Cornish hens are the dad shortcut to looking like a culinary genius. Same technique as roasting a full chicken but they cook in under an hour and everyone gets their own bird. Presentation points are off the charts.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Remove the skin and pull the breast meat off the bone in strips for younger kids. Serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce.
- Serve with
- Roasted baby potatoes with herbs · Steamed green beans with butter · Simple dinner rolls
- Reheating
- Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbs
- 2 g
- Fat
- 38 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #174576. Cook-time basis: Standard oven at 425°F (218°C); ThermoWorks instant-read verification to 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover oven roasted cornish hen without ruining the texture?
Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Remove the skin and pull the breast meat off the bone in strips for younger kids. Serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Roasted baby potatoes with herbs, Steamed green beans with butter, Simple dinner rolls.