Description
Roasted Cornish Hens in Oven are perfectly seasoned, golden brown, and juicy—ideal for cozy dinners or elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Pat Cornish hens dry, remove giblets, and trim excess fat.
- Rub hens with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and rosemary. Press seasonings into the skin.
- Cut lemon in half, squeeze juice over hens, and place lemon halves and rosemary sprigs into the cavities.
- Place hens breast-side up on a roasting rack and dot with butter.
- Roast for 45–55 minutes, basting occasionally, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Dried rosemary may be used instead of fresh (1 tsp dried = 2 tsp fresh).
- If you don’t have a rack, use thick slices of onion or carrot under the hens.
- Season and refrigerate hens ahead of time for enhanced flavor.
- Double the recipe to serve more, ensuring adequate pan space.