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5.0 from 6 votes

Roasted Cornish Hens

These roasted Cornish hens are easy, impressive, and delicious. Infused with veggies and herbs, and juicy every time, you’re going to love them!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 408 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 Cornish hens about 3 pounds each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 carrot cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 stalk celery cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
  • 2 sprigs rosemary

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Pat your cornish hens dry with a paper towel and place them in a large-rimmed baking dish. 
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, dried thyme, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. 
  4. Drizzle the oil mixture over the cornish hens and rub it all over, making sure to coat the hens on all sides.
  5. Fill the cavity of each hen with two-quarters of the onion, half of the carrot, half of the celery, one clove of garlic, and one sprig of rosemary. 
  6. Tie the legs with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the bird. This will prevent them from burning in the oven. 
  7. Roast the hens for 50-55 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees F. Baste the hens with juices from the pan after 25 minutes. 
  8. Remove the hens from the oven and cover the pan with aluminum foil.
  9. Rest the hens for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F. 
  10. Serve the cornish hens whole or carved with a garnish of fresh herbs or flakey sea salt. Enjoy warm. 
  11. Store any leftover hen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1g Calories 408kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 29g (58%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 21g Cholesterol 168mg (56%) Sodium 728mg (30%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 408

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 408kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 29g 58%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21g 124%
Cholesterol 168mg 56%
Sodium 728mg 30%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%

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