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Cornish Hen Recipe Baked

An elegant baked Cornish Hen Recipe Baked with golden crispy skin, juicy tender meat, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or weeknight meals that feel like a celebration.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday, Mediterranean
Keyword: Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen, Best Cornish hen recipe, Cornish hen recipe Jamie Oliver, Cornish hens recipe, Crispy Cornish hen Recipes, Easy Cornish hen Recipes, Smoked Cornish hens, Spatchcock Cornish hen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 590kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 Roasting pan with rack (For even cooking and air circulation)
  • 1 Instant-read thermometer (Ensures internal temp of 165°F)
  • 1 Kitchen shears (Useful for spatchcocking)
  • 1 Basting brush (For oil or butter rub)
  • Several Paper towels (To dry hens thoroughly)

Ingredients

  • 2–4 whole Cornish hens 1–2 lbs each - Adjust cook time based on size
  • 2–3 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter - For crispy golden skin
  • 2 teaspoon Kosher salt - Season generously
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper - Freshly ground preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder - Or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika - For color and mild flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder - Optional enhances flavor
  • 1–2 whole Lemons Halved - for cavity stuffing
  • 4–6 cloves Garlic Whole - for cavity
  • Several sprigs Fresh thyme - Substitute sage or oregano
  • Several sprigs Fresh rosemary - Substitute tarragon or marjoram

Instructions

  • Clean and dry the hens thoroughly, then let them rest at room temperature before roasting.
    Raw Cornish hens in a foil baking tray, wrapped in clear plastic wrap, ready for preparation.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F to achieve even cooking and crispy golden skin.
    A person wearing yellow gloves patting dry a raw Cornish hen with a cloth towel on a tray, preparing it for seasoning.
  • Rub hens with oil or butter, then generously season with salt, pepper, and spices.
    Four whole roasted Cornish hens in a metal baking pan, evenly browned with golden skin, sprinkled with salt and pepper.
  • Stuff cavities with lemon, garlic, and herbs, place in roasting pan, and cook until 165°F.
    Three roasted Cornish hens on a serving dish, with crispy browned skin coated in black pepper and fresh rosemary, glistening with juices.
  • Let hens rest under foil for ten minutes to lock in juices before serving.
    Three roasted Cornish Hen Recipe Baked with golden crispy skin, topped with fresh herbs, arranged on a brown serving platter with sprigs of thyme.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 450g | Calories: 590kcal (30%) | Carbohydrates: 4g (1%) | Protein: 46g (92%) | Fat: 42g (65%) | Saturated Fat: 11g (69%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 190mg (63%) | Sodium: 750mg (33%) | Potassium: 600mg (17%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 950IU (19%) | Vitamin C: 14mg (17%) | Calcium: 40mg (4%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
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