Roasted Cornish Hens

Make dinner extra special tonight with these roasted Cornish hens. Each one is golden and crispy on the outside, with juicy, flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. The rich, savory sauce takes it over the top, bringing out every bit of flavor in the most satisfying way. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two or an impressive main course for your next gathering.

What’s the difference between a chicken and a Cornish hen?

So, the main difference is that Cornish hens are just young, small chickens, usually under two pounds, and harvested at about a month old. Because they’re so tender, these little chickens have super flavorful meat and an amazing skin-to-meat ratio.

My recipe really lets them shine with fresh herbs, a tasty spice rub, and an overnight salting that gives you the crispiest, most luxurious skin ever. Honestly, these hens are so naturally delicious, they do most of the work anyway!

These roasted Cornish hens are a fantastic alternative to regular chicken, especially for a special occasion. They cook up quickly, are perfectly portioned for individual servings, and can be prepared using any of your favorite chicken recipes.

Ingredients

• Cornish hens: You can find Cornish game hens at most grocery stores. They’re perfect for individual servings.
• Fresh herbs: Sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme will infuse our hens with amazing flavor.
• Onion & garlic: Add a foundational savory depth.
• Lemons: You’ll need both lemon juice and lemon zest to really punch up the brightness and cut through the richness.
• Olive oil: Definitely use good extra virgin olive oil to get that beautiful, crispy skin and help the spices stick.
• Dry rub spices: We’re using coarse kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and, for that extra-special warm aroma, a touch of fennel pollen or ground cumin.
• Butter: A little melted butter helps get that gorgeous golden-brown skin.
• Honey: Just a touch of honey in the glaze gives a lovely sweetness and caramelization.
• Celery stalks: Pop these into the roasting pan to add some aromatics to the pan juices and keep the hens moist.
• Carrots: Like the celery, carrots go into the pan for flavor and moisture. They’re also delicious roasted alongside.

How to Make Roasted Cornish Hens

Step 1: Salt Overnight (Optional)

Pat the hens dry, then lightly salt them with ½ tsp kosher salt. 

Then put them on a plate and refrigerate uncovered overnight. This simple step helps dry out the skin, which means it’ll crisp up better.

Step 2: Add Dry Rub

Now, preheat your oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine the dry rub ingredients (including the lemon zest).

Pat the hens dry again. Season the inside and outside of the hens thoroughly with the dry rub.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Next, scatter the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, lemon slices, rosemary, and thyme in a roasting pan. Pour the juice of the second lemon over the vegetables.

Place the seasoned hens on top of the vegetables. Drizzle olive oil and melted butter over the hens, then brush them with honey or maple syrup to caramelize.

Roast chicken uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, until the breast meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 

Transfer the hens to a cutting board and let them rest for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Make Sauce & Serve

Remove and discard the spent lemon slices and herb sprigs from the roasting pan. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the remaining pan contents (vegetables and juices) until smooth. Add a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.

Serve the hens garnished with fresh herbs and lemon zest, with the warm pan sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy!

The Best Pairings for Roasted Cornish Hens

A perfectly roasted Cornish hen is a star on its own, but the right side dishes are what turn it into a truly complete meal. For a rustic touch, wild rice is an excellent choice. I also recommend these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes as a hearty side. For greens, try these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts or Honey Balsamic Green Beans with Cranberries and Almonds!

Storage & Reheating

If you’ve got leftover Cornish hens, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, but the air fryer will provide a quicker and crispier result.

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