Cornish hens are a great choice for families who want tasty meals and could be able to cook in little time.
They are much smaller in size than a full chicken, weighing around a pound, which means they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can save them for a holiday spread or cook them on a weeknight and they’ll always bring flavor and style to the table.
Whether it’s a holiday meal, a cozy family dinner, or even a weeknight treat, Cornish hens are a simple choice and always look impressive and taste delicious.
Simple Cornish Hen Recipe at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Here’s the list of ingredients you need :
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1–1.5 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened) or olive oil
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Carrots, potatoes, and onions for roasting on the side can be optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s the simple way to cook:
- Dry the hens: Rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry skin makes the outside crispier.
- Season: Rub them with butter or oil. Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Put a lemon wedge inside each hen.
- Roast: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place hens in a roasting pan and cook until the skin is golden (for 40 to 45 minutes). After 20 minutes of roasting,Spoon some juices from the pan over the hens.
- Rest: Let them sit for 10 minutes before serving. This keeps the meat juicy.
Easy Ways to Change the Recipe
You don’t have to make them the same way every time. Here are some ideas:
- Stuffed Cornish Hen – Add a little rice or bread stuffing inside. It feels like Thanksgiving dinner.
- Garlic Herb Hen—Use more garlic and lots of fresh herbs for a stronger flavor.
- Honey Glazed Hen – Brush the hens with honey (or honey mixed with soy sauce) near the end of cooking. The skin turns sweet and sticky.
- Grilled Hen—In summer, cut them in half and cook on the grill. The smoky flavor is amazing.
Read More: Best Christmas Crack Recipe
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Cornish Hen)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | Depends on seasoning used |
Important Tips for the Best Cornish Hen
- Always let them rest before cutting. The meat stays tender.
- A meat thermometer helps so you don’t overcook.
- Roast veggies in the pan—they’ll soak up the flavor.
- One hen per person looks fancy, but you can split them if serving kids.
Serving Ideas
Cornish hens go well with many sides. Some of my favorites:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A fresh garden salad
- Rice pilaf or wild rice
- Warm dinner rolls
You can also make a quick gravy or sauce using the pan drippings.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Leftovers keep for 3–4 days in a sealed container.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked hens for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot. If reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to keep the meat from drying out.
Other Ways to Cook Cornish Hen
If you don’t want to roast, here are a few options:
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for about 30 minutes. Flip halfway for crispy skin.
- Slow Cooker: Season and cook on low for 4–5 hours. The meat will be super tender.
- Instant Pot: Pressure cook with a little broth for 20 minutes, then crisp under the broiler.
Read More: Easy Chickpea Salad Recipe
FAQs
1. Are Cornish hens healthier than chicken?
They’re pretty much the same, just smaller. Some people say they’re leaner.
2. Do you cover Cornish hens while roasting?
Leaving them uncovered makes the skin crispy. If they get too dark, you can cover loosely with foil.
3. How many hens per person?
Plan on one per person. For kids, half a hen is usually enough.
4. Can you brine Cornish hens?
Yes, you can brine them in salt water for a few hours before cooking to make the meat extra juicy.
5. Which wine goes with Cornish hen?
White wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well with Cornish hen. If you glaze with honey or fruit, Riesling is also nice.
Conclusion
If you’ve never tried making one, this Cornish hen recipe is worth it. They cook quickly, taste great, and look impressive on the table.
People used to think Cornish hens were only for holidays, but now you can make them on regular weeknights too. Once you try them, you’ll see how simple and tasty they are.
