Description
These Roasted Cornish Hens are perfect for a special dinner. Brine them overnight for crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Great for date night or a holiday feast!
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish hens
- ½ tsp coarse kosher salt (for optional pre-salting)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 celery stalks, cleaned and chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 lemons: one sliced, one for zesting and juicing
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
Dry Rub:
- ½ tsp coarse kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp fennel pollen or ground cumin
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- (Optional, the night before) Pat the hens dry and lightly salt the skin with ½ tsp kosher salt. Refrigerate uncovered on a plate to improve skin texture.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, combine the dry rub ingredients: ½ tsp salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, fennel pollen (or cumin), and lemon zest.
- Pat the hens dry again. Season the inside and outside of the hens thoroughly with the dry rub.
- 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 the olive oil and melted butter over the hens, then brush with honey or maple syrup for caramelization.
- Roast uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer the hens to a cutting board and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- To make the sauce, 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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American