Description
This Best Roasted Cornish Hen Ever recipe is the ultimate small-bird roast for special dinners, featuring golden crispy skin, tender juicy meat, and flavor-packed herbs and garlic. Perfect for holidays or weeknight meals, it’s easy, elegant, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
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2 Cornish hens, about 1.25 lb each
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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0.5 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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4 garlic cloves, smashed
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1 lemon, halved
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F and pat the Cornish hens completely dry.
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Rub the hens with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
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Brush butter under the skin and stuff the cavities with garlic and lemon.
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Tie the legs, place in a roasting pan, and roast for 45 to 50 minutes.
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Rest for 10 minutes before serving with pan juices.
Notes
Make sure hens are dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin.
Trussing the legs helps the birds cook evenly and present beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25mins
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American