If you’ve ever dreamed of serving something elegant yet completely fuss-free, Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven is your perfect answer. This inviting recipe brings you juicy, golden hens, seasoned with herbs and kissed with citrus and garlic, all in just over an hour. It’s dinner-party impressive but simple enough for a weeknight, and the best part—the flavors taste like they took all day. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a cozy dinner, this is sure to win hearts and appetites!

Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven is found in its simplicity. Every ingredient adds a distinct layer, making these hens aromatic, flavorful, and perfectly crisp-skinned. Look for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best result—each one counts!

Cornish hens: Smaller than regular chickens, they roast quickly and turn out wonderfully tender with a delicate flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the skin crisp and gives a luxurious finish, while adding a touch of earthiness.
Melted butter: Brings richness and promotes that irresistible golden-brown color.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and infuses every bite with gentle warmth.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor, tying together the herbs and aromatics.
Dried thyme: Lends a sweet, woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with poultry.
Dried rosemary: Brings a classic herby aroma that permeates the hens during roasting.
Paprika: Gives color and mild smokiness, making the finished hens extra inviting.
Salt and black pepper: The essential backbone of seasoning—be generous!
Lemon wedges: Stuffed inside the hens for a subtle citrus note that keeps the meat juicy.
Garlic cloves, smashed: Infuses each bite with a mellow, roasted garlic flavor that melts into the pan juices.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Stuffing a sprig inside adds perfume and flavor from the inside-out.
Chicken broth or water: Keeps everything moist as it roasts and creates savory drippings for serving.

How to Make Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Hens

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels—this is the key to achieving crispy, golden skin. Taking a moment here prevents steamed skin and lays the foundation for a gorgeous roast.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine your olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend becomes a fragrant, flavorful paste—that magical mix that gives the Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven their signature taste and color.

Step 3: Season the Hens

Gently rub the seasoning mixture all over the hens, making sure to reach every nook—including under the skin whenever possible. This ensures every bite is deeply flavored, and the fat in the mix helps the skin turn crisp and beautifully browned in the oven.

Step 4: Stuff and Set Up for Roasting

Stuff each hen’s cavity with lemon wedges, smashed garlic cloves, and a fresh rosemary sprig. Not only does this fill the kitchen with irresistible aromas, but it helps keep the meat juicy and infuses subtle, delicious notes throughout. Arrange the hens breast side up on a rack in your roasting pan, then pour the chicken broth or water into the pan’s bottom—this prevents drying out and gives you amazing pan juices to serve later.

Step 5: Roast and Baste

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and roast the hens for 50 to 60 minutes. About halfway through, baste each hen generously with the pan juices—this step is worth it! The hens are done when their internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), and the skin is gleaming and crisp.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes—resting is crucial for juicy, tender meat. Then carve, drizzle with the pan juices, and serve your Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven with pride!

How to Serve Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven

Garnishes

Dress up your serving platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few slices of lemon. Not only do these garnishes look lovely, but they echo the flavors inside the hens and add fresh, zesty scents at the table.

Side Dishes

Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven pairs effortlessly with sides like velvety mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, herb rice pilaf, or a tangle of garlicky green beans. The pan juices double as a quick, savory gravy for drizzling over everything on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, plate each hen on its own dish, or halve them for sharing. Try placing the hens atop a bed of sautéed greens or rustic herbed stuffing for a show-stopping holiday center. Or for intimate dinners, serve directly from the roasting pan—nobody can resist that sizzling, golden presentation of Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven, simply remove any stuffing and store the meat (with pan juices if possible) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to three days and stays just as flavorful after a short rest.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked hens cool completely, then carve the meat from the bones and wrap tightly. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months. Freezing the pan juices separately is a great way to keep everything tasting fresh and moist when you reheat.

Reheating

Place your thawed or refrigerated hens in a baking dish, spoon over some of the reserved pan juices or a splash of broth, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot. Covering loosely with foil keeps them from drying out and restores some of that crisp skin we love in Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven!

FAQs

Can I prep these hens in advance?

Yes! You can season and stuff the Cornish hens up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast—they’ll actually develop even deeper flavors as they marinate.

What if I don’t have a roasting rack?

No problem. Simply set the hens on a layer of chunky-cut vegetables like carrots, onions, or celery in the pan. This keeps the hens lifted for even roasting and gives you fabulous, flavorful vegetables to serve alongside.

Can I scale up this recipe?

Absolutely. Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven are perfect for gatherings—just double or triple everything as needed. Just make sure the pan is large enough, and if roasting more than four hens, consider rotating the pan halfway through for even browning.

How do I know when the hens are done?

The best method is to use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh; you’re looking for 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the skin should be deep golden and crisp.

Is it possible to roast the hens without the butter?

Of course! If you prefer, use all olive oil or even another fat (like duck fat for extra decadence). The butter adds richness and helps with browning, but Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven will be delicious either way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that makes any dinner feel like a special event without any stress, give Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven a try. It’s elegant, endlessly flavorful, and always earns rave reviews. You’ll be surprised how easily you can create something so beautiful—now, grab those hens and get roasting!

Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings (1 hen per person) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these succulent Roasted Cornish Hens in the oven. This simple and flavorful recipe is perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornish Hens:

2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 pounds each)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional:

1 lemon cut into wedges
4 garlic cloves smashed
Fresh rosemary sprigs for stuffing
1 cup chicken broth or water for the roasting pan

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Hens: Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
Season the Hens: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the hens.
Stuff the Cavity: Stuff each hen cavity with lemon wedges, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary.
Roast: Place the hens on a rack in a roasting pan, pour chicken broth or water into the pan, and roast for 50-60 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving with pan juices.

Notes

Marinate the hens for extra flavor by refrigerating them with the seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight.
Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American