Cornish hens are the perfect choice for an elegant yet approachable meal. These small, tender birds roast beautifully in the oven, offering a flavorful and juicy centerpiece for any occasion. Below is a detailed recipe to guide you through making the best oven-roasted Cornish hens
1. Best Oven Roasted Cornish Hens Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Cornish hens (about 1-1.5 lbs each)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lemons, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 8 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth or white wine
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cornish Hens
Remove the giblets from the hens and rinse them inside and out under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Season the Hens
Rub the hens all over with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stuff the cavities with a piece of lemon, a quarter of the onion, and one sprig each of thyme and rosemary.
Step 3: Arrange in the Roasting Pan
Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist as it cooks. This will also create a flavorful base for a gravy or sauce.
Step 4: Roast the Cornish Hens
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the hens for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with juices from the pan every 15-20 minutes for extra flavor and a golden-brown skin.
Step 5: Rest the Hens
Remove the hens from the oven once cooked. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carve the hens and serve immediately. They pair beautifully with various side dishes (see suggestions below).
2. Tips for Perfect Oven Roasted Cornish Hens
Dry the Skin Thoroughly
Patting the hens dry before seasoning helps the skin crisp up during roasting. Excess moisture can cause steaming rather than roasting.
Season Generously
A good mix of spices, herbs, and salt enhances the flavor of the hens. Don’t forget to season the cavity for extra depth.
Use a Roasting Rack
Elevating the hens on a rack prevents them from sitting in their juices, allowing the skin to crisp evenly. If you don’t have a rack, you can use thick slices of vegetables (like carrots or celery) as a base.
Baste During Roasting
Basting the hens every 15 minutes ensures the skin remains moist and flavorful. This technique also allows the fats from the skin to redistribute, which results in a crispy yet tender exterior.
Check Temperature, Not Time
Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
3. How to Carve a Cornish Hen
Carving a Cornish hen is straightforward due to its small size. Follow these steps for clean and easy cuts:
Step 1: Separate the Legs
Place the hen breast-side up on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut through the skin between the leg and the body. Pull the leg away and cut through the joint to fully separate it. Repeat on the other side.
Step 2: Remove the Wings
Pull the wing away from the body and cut through the joint at the base.
Step 3 : Slice the Breast
Run the knife along one side of the breastbone to remove the breast meat. Slice it into smaller portions if desired. Repeat for the other side.
Optional: For smaller portions, you can cut the entire hen in half down the center, creating two equal halves.
4. What to Serve With Roasted Cornish Hens
Cornish hens pair well with a variety of sides, depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes balance the savory flavors of the roasted hens.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts roasted in olive oil complement the crispy skin.
Wild Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice dish with herbs, nuts, and dried fruits adds texture and depth to the meal.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, sweet cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the rich meat.
Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds offer a fresh and crunchy side.
5. How to Store & Use Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
After carving the hens, place any leftover meat in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meat for up to 3 months.
Reheating Leftovers
Reheat the leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. This prevents the meat from drying out.
Using Leftovers
Cornish Hen Salad: Use the leftover meat in a salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing.
Soup or Stew: Shred the leftover meat and add it to soups or stews for a hearty meal.
Sandwiches or Wraps: Use the leftover meat for sandwiches or wraps, adding your favorite condiments and vegetables.
Cornish Hen Tacos: Shred the meat and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
Cornish hens are a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Their small size makes them perfect for individual servings, and their versatility allows you to pair them with a wide range of flavors. With proper preparation, carving, and creative use of leftovers, roasted Cornish hens can easily become a family favorite.
