Cornish hens are a wonderful alternative to chicken. Smaller in size, they cook faster while still giving you tender, flavorful meat every time.
Whenever I see them at my local grocery store, I have a hard time passing them up. Truth be told, I usually keep a couple in the freezer for those nights when I want something simple, delicious, and just a little special.
You never know when your friends stop by and an impromptu dinner will unfold.
What is a Cornish hen or Cornish game hen?
A rock Cornish game hen, or simply called a Cornish game hen, looks like a miniature chicken. Petite in size with a very tender texture of meat and flavor.
Less fatty as well; thus, if substituting with a chicken, keep that in consideration and season with less oil or butter.
They must weigh between 1 and 2 pounds.
A Note From Giangi
Key Ingredients
Cornish hens – The star of the recipe. Their smaller size makes them perfect for individual servings, and the meat stays wonderfully tender and juicy when roasted.
Lemons – Thin slices of fresh lemon add brightness and a gentle acidity that balances the richness of the hens.
Garlic – Tucked inside the cavity and around the hens, garlic perfumes the meat as it roasts and adds a delicious savory flavor.
Fresh rosemary – A classic pairing with poultry. Rosemary adds its wonderful earthy aroma and complements the lemon and garlic beautifully.
White wine – Adds moisture to the roasting pan while creating a light, flavorful base from all those delicious cooking juices.
Chicken broth – Helps keep the hens moist as they roast and combines with the wine and pan juices to create a flavorful sauce.
Olive oil – Brushed over the skin to encourage beautiful browning while helping the seasoning adhere.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings are all you need to bring out the natural flavor of the Cornish hens.
How to Make Cornish Hens
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Clean the Cornish hens and pat them dry. Place them in an ovenproof baking dish.
Step 3: Season the inside of each hen generously with salt and pepper. Add garlic cloves, two lemon slices, and fresh rosemary inside each cavity.
Step 4: Brush the outside of the hens with olive oil, then season generously with salt and a little pepper.
Step 5: Pour the chicken broth and white wine into the baking dish. Scatter any remaining lemon slices and additional garlic cloves around the hens.
Step 6: Roast for about 45 minutes, or until the hens are fully cooked and the juices run clear.
Giangi’s Pro Tips
Pat the Cornish hens completely dry before seasoning. This helps the skin roast beautifully, turning it golden.
Bring the hens to room temperature for about 20 minutes before roasting so they cook more evenly.
Season the cavity and the outside. The lemon, garlic, and rosemary will perfume the meat from the inside as it cooks.
Do not overcrowd the roasting pan. Leave a little space between each hen so the heat can circulate properly.
Baste once or twice with the pan juices for extra flavor and moisture.
Use an instant-read thermometer and check the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Let the hens rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat.
What to serve with the game hen?
I often serve Cornish hen with wild rice, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables. During the holidays, my whipped sweet potatoes with bananas and honey are another delicious option, especially when I want something creamy and comforting alongside the roasted hen.
The recipe that I am sharing with you, created itself as I was preparing it. The result was pure and simple, and absolutely delicious.
More Poultry Recipes You Will Love
If you tried this Cornish Hen or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below.
Cornish Hen – A great tasty dinner
Ingredients
- 4 Cornish hen
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced lemon
- 2 garlic, peeled
- fresh rosemary
- 1 cup white wine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375º.
- Clean the Cornish hens and pat dry. Place in an ovenproof baking dish. In the cavity of each Cornish hen generously sprinkle salt and pepper. Add as many garlic cloves as desired, 2 slices of the lemon slices, and fresh rosemary. On the outside brush some of the olive oil on the skin. Sprinkle generously with salt and some pepper.
- Add the chicken broth and the wine to the baking dish. Any remaining sliced of lemon and more garlic cloves if wish around the Cornish hens.
- Place the baking dish in the hot oven and cook for 45 minutes or until no more juices are running from the chicken.
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Dinners, Poultry, Sunday Night Dinner
- Cuisine: French
Did you make this?
Leave a comment below and tag @giangiskitchen on Instagram
Visit my Amazon Storefront for my selection of favorite kitchen essentials. I only recommend equipment that I use and love.
Art
This meal was such a treat. The Cornish game hen is the perfect size. I especially love it with the whiskey cream sauce,
Giangi Townsend
The whiskey sauce makes this dinner; I could not agree more. The Cornish game hen is such an amazing bird.
Thank you for your feedback.