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A close-up shot of a whole roasted Cornish hen, showcasing the crispy, golden-brown skin and tender meat.

Roasted Cornish Hen: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Meal

This Roasted Cornish Hen recipe delivers a perfectly juicy bird with incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin. Flavored with a simple garlic and herb butter, it's an elegant, foolproof meal for any special occasion or weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 750
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 - 2 lbs each) Giblets removed and patted dry.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Softened to room temperature.
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme Finely chopped.
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary Finely chopped.
  • 1 tsp salt Or to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Freshly ground.
  • 1 lemon Cut into quarters.
  • 1 small onion Cut into quarters.

Equipment

  • 1 Roasting pan
  • 1 Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
  • 1 Kitchen Twine

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove giblets from Cornish hens and pat them completely dry with paper towels, inside and out.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, and chopped rosemary until well combined.
  3. Gently separate the skin from the breast meat. Rub half of the herb butter under the skin. Use the remaining butter to coat the outside of the hens. Season generously all over with salt and pepper.
  4. Place two lemon quarters and two onion quarters inside the cavity of each hen. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  5. Place the hens in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for another 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  6. Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This is crucial for juicy meat.

Notes

Ensure the hens are fully thawed before you begin.
Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.
Feel free to add other herbs like sage or parsley to the butter mixture.
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