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4.2 from 105 votes

Garlic Herb Cornish Hens Recipe

Roasted Cornish Hens are basted with a fresh herbs olive oil, roasted for browned crispy skin and finished with a zesty butter garlic sauce.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 1309 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 .25 lb Cornish hens
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest , about 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) , chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Butter Sauce:
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter , clarified preferred
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic , finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons flat leaf parsley , minced
  • 2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • pinch coarse kosher salt
  • 1-2 lemons , cut in half and charred, optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or low sided roasting pan with aluminum foil.
  2. Remove hens from packaging, rinse with cold water and pat dry. Tie back legs together using butcher's twine and tuck the wings behind themselves. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon zest, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Baste both sides of each hen with the olive oil, pouring any remaining in the cavity. Arrange 2-3 inches apart with the breast side up.
  4. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and place the hens in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the butter sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Whisk in the garlic, parsley, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Butter may solidify while sitting and require to be reheated when you baste.
  6. At 40 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350°F, remove the hens and baste with well on just the top side with half of the butter. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Baste again and continue to bake for another 10 minutes. Check internal temperature. If it reads between 155-160°F, it is time to remove them for resting. If not, keep them in the oven until they reach the desired temperature which ranges depending on size.
  7. Remove, gently tent with aluminum foil and then rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with charred lemon halves.
  8. If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!

Notes

  • This recipe was modified and improved on 8/29/22. Please contact Jessica for the original, if desired, but I promise this one is even tastier!
  • How to char lemons: Char the lemons by setting them over an open flame on a gas or propane stove, on the grill or carefully with a butane torch.
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Nutrition Information

Calories 1309kcal (65%) Protein 77g (154%) Fat 109g (168%) Saturated Fat 46g (230%) Cholesterol 576mg (192%) Sodium 851mg (35%) Potassium 1084mg (31%) Vitamin A 1905IU (38%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 63mg (6%) Iron 3.5mg (19%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1309

% Daily Value*

Calories 1309kcal 65%
Protein 77g 154%
Fat 109g 168%
Saturated Fat 46g 230%
Cholesterol 576mg 192%
Sodium 851mg 35%
Potassium 1084mg 23%
Vitamin A 1905IU 38%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 63mg 6%
Iron 3.5mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.