Easter at our house is always a joyous occasion, filled with family, laughter, and of course, a delicious feast. This year, I decided to try something a little different from our usual ham or turkey – Easy Roasted Cornish Hens. Let me tell you, it was a resounding success! From the moment the savory aroma filled the kitchen, everyone was anticipating the meal. And when we finally sat down to eat? Pure bliss. These Cornish hens were incredibly moist and tender, infused with a beautiful savory spice blend that was just perfect for spring. The vegetables roasted alongside were caramelized and flavorful, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Even my pickiest eater, my nephew, devoured his hen. If you’re looking for an elegant yet surprisingly simple centerpiece for your Easter table, or any special occasion, these Easy Roasted Cornish Hens are an absolute must-try. They are easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a holiday gathering. Trust me, your family and guests will be raving about them long after the last bite is gone.

Ingredients

To create these delectable Easy Roasted Cornish Hens, you’ll need a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture, transforming simple Cornish hens into a gourmet experience. Let’s delve into each ingredient and understand its contribution to this exceptional dish:

4 Cornish Hens: The foundation of our dish! For this recipe, we’ll be using four Cornish hens, ideally weighing between 1 to 1.5 pounds each. This size is perfect for individual servings and ensures they cook through evenly within the specified time. When selecting your hens, opt for plump, fresh-looking birds. If using frozen hens, ensure they are completely thawed before you begin. Proper thawing is crucial for food safety and even cooking. Once thawed, it’s important to rinse the hens thoroughly, both inside and out, under cold running water. This step removes any potential bacteria and ensures a clean base for seasoning. After rinsing, the most critical step for achieving crispy skin is to pat the hens completely dry, both inside and out, with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so don’t skip this crucial step! Drying the cavity is just as important as drying the exterior.
Vegetable Medley for Roasting: A bed of roasted vegetables not only adds flavor and moisture to the hens but also serves as a delicious and nutritious side dish. We’ll be using a classic combination of:
- 8 Carrots: Carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Choose medium-sized carrots, and peel them thoroughly to remove any bitterness. For even cooking, chop the carrots into uniform pieces, approximately ½ inch thick. Evenly sized pieces will ensure they cook at the same rate as the other vegetables.
- 8 Celery Stalks: Celery provides a subtle savory note and aromatic depth to the vegetable base. Roughly chop the celery stalks into pieces similar in size to the carrots, around ½ inch thick. Celery adds a lovely textural contrast to the softer carrots and onions.
- 1 Yellow Onion: Yellow onions are the workhorse of savory cooking, offering a foundational flavor that deepens and sweetens as they roast. Slice one medium to large yellow onion into ¼ inch thick slices. Slicing rather than dicing allows the onion to soften and caramelize beautifully during roasting, adding a rich sweetness to the vegetable medley.
Aromatic Herbs and Spices: This is where the magic happens! The spice blend is what truly elevates these roasted Cornish hens, infusing them with savory, warm, and irresistible flavors.
- 5 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is the star herb in this recipe, lending a fragrant, piney, and slightly woodsy aroma that complements poultry perfectly. Use at least 5 sprigs, and feel free to add more if you are a rosemary enthusiast. If fresh rosemary is unavailable, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary. However, fresh rosemary provides a more vibrant and complex flavor.
- 3 Cloves Garlic (Optional but Highly Recommended): Garlic adds a pungent, savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. Mince 3 cloves of fresh garlic finely. Freshly minced garlic offers the most potent and aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted, but fresh is always preferable.
- 1 Tablespoon Salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the hens and vegetables. Use 1 tablespoon of kosher salt or sea salt. Kosher salt is preferred by many chefs for its coarser texture and clean taste.
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a warm, spicy bite and complements the other spices beautifully. Use 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground pepper has a much more pronounced and aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper.
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder intensifies the garlic flavor and contributes to a delicious, crispy skin. Use 1 tablespoon of garlic powder for an extra layer of garlic goodness.
- 2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that adds a subtle smoky depth and beautiful color to the hens. Use 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika. Smoked paprika brings a unique depth of flavor that regular paprika cannot replicate. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used as a substitute, but the smoky element will be missed.
- 2-3 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley is used both in the spice rub and as a garnish. Roughly chop 2-3 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a vibrant green color to the dish. Use more parsley for garnishing at the end if desired.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to lightly coat the hens, helping the spices adhere and promoting beautiful browning and crispy skin. Use a good quality olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its flavor.
Butter: Butter, placed under the skin of the hens, adds richness, moisture, and incredible flavor. Use 3-4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt level of the dish.

Instructions

Roasting Cornish hens to perfection is easier than you might think! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create moist, tender, and flavorful hens with crispy skin, surrounded by beautifully roasted vegetables.

Preheat Your Oven to 450°F (232°C): Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450°F (232°C). This high heat is essential for achieving crispy skin and ensuring the hens cook through quickly and evenly. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before placing the hens inside.
Prepare the Vegetable Bed: While the oven preheats, prepare the vegetable bed in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. This baking dish size is ideal for holding the vegetables and four Cornish hens comfortably.
- Spread the chopped carrots, celery, and sliced onion evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Scatter the rosemary sprigs over the vegetables. The rosemary will infuse the vegetables and hens with its aromatic flavor as they roast.
Prepare the Cornish Hens: Now, let’s get the Cornish hens ready for roasting.
- Ensure the Cornish hens are thawed, rinsed, and patted completely dry, inside and out, as mentioned in the ingredient section. This step is crucial for crispy skin.
- Lightly rub olive oil all over the outside of each Cornish hen. The olive oil helps the spice rub adhere and promotes browning. Set the oiled hens aside.
Make the Spice Rub: In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the spices for the rub: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and parsley.
- Mix the spices together thoroughly until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Season the Hens Generously: Now for the flavorful part! Generously sprinkle the spice mixture all over the Cornish hens, making sure to coat every surface, including the inside cavity.
- Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Cornish hens are relatively small, so they can handle a good amount of spice.
- Massage the spice rub into the skin of the hens to ensure it adheres well.
Place Hens on Vegetable Bed: Arrange the seasoned Cornish hens on top of the bed of vegetables in the baking dish. The vegetables will act as a roasting rack, elevating the hens slightly and allowing for better air circulation.
Loosen Skin and Add Butter: This step is key for extra moist and flavorful hens.
- Gently run your fingers under the skin of each hen to loosen it from the breast meat. Be careful not to tear the skin.
- Place a slice of butter (about 1 tablespoon) under the skin of each hen, directly on top of the breast meat. The butter will melt as the hens roast, basting the meat from underneath and keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Tie the Legs (Optional but Recommended): Tying the legs of the hens together helps them cook more evenly and creates a more visually appealing presentation.
- Use kitchen string or foil paper to tie the legs of each hen together. If using kitchen string, make sure it is oven-safe. If using foil paper, simply tear off a strip and wrap it around the legs.
- (Optional) At this point, you can sprinkle on a little extra parsley over the hens for added freshness and visual appeal.
Roast the Cornish Hens: Now it’s time to roast the hens to golden perfection!
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the hens and your oven.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
- The skin should be beautifully browned and crispy, and the juices should run clear when you pierce the thigh with a fork.
Rest Before Serving: Resting is crucial for juicy and tender meat.
- Once the hens are cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the hens rest for 15 minutes before carving or serving.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the resting period to keep the hens warm. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Serve and Enjoy! After resting, your Easy Roasted Cornish Hens are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving (Estimated): Approximately 650-750 calories

This estimate includes one Cornish hen, a generous portion of roasted vegetables, and accounts for the olive oil and butter used. The exact calorie count will depend on factors such as the size of the hens, the amount of vegetables consumed, and the specific brands of ingredients used.

Approximate Breakdown Per Serving:

Protein: 60-70 grams (Cornish hens are a good source of lean protein)
Fat: 40-50 grams (Includes healthy fats from olive oil and butter, as well as fats naturally present in the hens)
Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams (Primarily from the roasted vegetables)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

These Easy Roasted Cornish Hens are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Easter meal or any special occasion:

Classic Easter Dinner:
- Serve each guest a whole roasted Cornish hen as the centerpiece of their plate.
- Accompany the hens with the roasted vegetables from the baking dish.
- Offer traditional Easter side dishes such as:
  - Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mashed potatoes
  - Green bean casserole or roasted asparagus
  - Sweet potato casserole or glazed carrots
  - Dinner rolls or biscuits
  - Cranberry sauce or a fruit chutney
Elegant Plated Presentation:
- Carve the Cornish hens into halves or quarters for easier eating.
- Arrange the carved hen pieces attractively on plates, alongside a portion of the roasted vegetables.
- Drizzle the pan juices over the hens and vegetables for added flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs or rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and aroma.
Family-Style Serving:
- Place the whole roasted Cornish hens on a large serving platter, surrounded by the roasted vegetables.
- Let guests serve themselves, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Provide carving utensils for those who prefer to carve their own hen.
Side Dish Pairings to Enhance the Meal:
- Salads: A fresh spring salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the roasted hens.
- Grains: Quinoa, couscous, or wild rice pilaf provide a nutritious and flavorful side.
- Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad offer additional vegetable options.
- Sauces: While the hens are delicious on their own, consider offering a complementary sauce such as:
  - Lemon-herb pan sauce (made from the pan drippings)
  - Garlic aioli
  - Dijon mustard sauce
  - Chimichurri sauce

Additional Tips for Perfect Roasted Cornish Hens

To ensure your Easy Roasted Cornish Hens are a resounding success, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Pat the Hens Dry – It’s Crucial! We can’t stress this enough: thoroughly patting the Cornish hens dry, inside and out, with paper towels is the most important step for achieving crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so eliminate as much surface moisture as possible before adding the olive oil and spice rub.
Don’t Skimp on the Seasoning. Cornish hens are relatively small, so they benefit from generous seasoning. Be sure to season the inside cavity as well as the outside of the hens. Don’t be afraid to use a little extra spice rub to ensure every bite is flavorful. Taste the spice rub before applying it to the hens and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Let the Hens Rest Before Carving. Resist the temptation to carve the hens immediately after they come out of the oven. Allowing them to rest for 15 minutes is essential for juicy and tender meat. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final product. Tent the hens loosely with foil while they rest to keep them warm.
Vary the Vegetables. Feel free to customize the vegetable medley based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Other delicious vegetables that roast well with Cornish hens include:
- Potatoes (red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or fingerling potatoes)
- Sweet potatoes
- Parsnips
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus (add asparagus towards the end of roasting as it cooks quickly)
- Broccoli or cauliflower florets (add broccoli or cauliflower towards the end as well)
For Extra Flavor – Brine or Marinate (Optional). While this recipe is delicious as is, for an even deeper flavor and extra moistness, you can brine or marinate the Cornish hens before roasting.
- Brining: Submerge the hens in a saltwater solution (about ½ cup salt per gallon of water) for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe. Brining helps the hens retain moisture during roasting.
- Marinating: Marinate the hens in your favorite poultry marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Pat dry before roasting. A lemon-herb marinade, a garlic-herb marinade, or a buttermilk marinade would all be delicious options.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary for fresh rosemary. Use 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary in place of the 5 fresh sprigs. However, fresh rosemary will provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. If using dried rosemary, you can crush it slightly between your fingers before adding it to the vegetables to release more of its aroma.

Q2: Can I prepare the Cornish hens ahead of time?
A: You can prep the Cornish hens ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. You can rinse and pat them dry, prepare the spice rub, and season the hens up to 24 hours in advance. Store the seasoned hens, covered, in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s best to roast the hens and vegetables fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Q3: How do I know when the Cornish hens are cooked through?
A: The best way to ensure the Cornish hens are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also check for doneness by piercing the thigh with a fork. The juices should run clear, not pink, when the hens are cooked through. The skin should also be golden brown and crispy.

Q4: Can I double this recipe to serve more people?
A: Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. You may need to use a larger baking dish or two baking dishes if you are doubling or tripling the recipe to ensure the hens and vegetables are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting and prevent crispy skin. Also, cooking time may need to be slightly increased when cooking a larger batch of hens. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Q5: What can I do with leftover roasted Cornish hens?
A: Leftover roasted Cornish hens are delicious and versatile! You can use them in a variety of ways:
* Shredded Chicken: Shred the leftover hen meat and use it in sandwiches, salads, soups, or tacos.
* Chicken Salad: Make a classic chicken salad with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings.
* Chicken Pot Pie: Use the leftover meat in a comforting chicken pot pie.
* Chicken Noodle Soup: Add shredded chicken to homemade chicken noodle soup.
* Enchiladas or Quesadillas: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for enchiladas or quesadillas.
* Reheat and Serve: Simply reheat the leftover hens and vegetables for another meal. Store leftover cooked Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Roasted Cornish Hens Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

How to Serve

Additional Tips for Perfect Roasted Cornish Hens

FAQ Section