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A Cornish hen is an excellent choice for a flavorful, elegant meal that’s perfectly portioned for one. This simple recipe roasts the hen to golden perfection alongside tender, seasoned vegetables, creating a complete and satisfying one-pan meal. Packed with the rich flavors of garlic, rosemary, and lemon, this dish is easy to prepare yet impressive enough for a special occasion—or even a relaxing night at home.
To complete your meal, pair the roasted Cornish hen and vegetables with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Add warm slices of French bread to soak up the savory juices from the dish. For dessert, indulge in a Dutch Apple Pie—its sweet, spiced flavors are the perfect way to round out this hearty and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: Lemon, garlic, and rosemary infuse the Cornish hen with rich, savory flavors in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Despite its elegant presentation, this recipe is straightforward and simple to prepare.
- Perfectly Portioned: Designed for one serving, it’s the ideal dish when you don’t want to worry about leftovers or complicated portioning.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables and seasonings to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- A Healthy Choice: This meal is packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
What Are Cornish Hens?
Cornish hens, also called Cornish game hens, are a type of chicken known for their tender meat and smaller size, making them perfect for individual servings. These young birds usually weigh between 1 and 2 pounds, which makes them ideal for roasting as a single serving or for two people.
You’ll typically find Cornish hens in the frozen poultry section of most grocery stores, but some specialty butcher shops and supermarkets also offer them fresh. If you prefer organic or free-range options, look for labeled packages or ask your butcher or store staff for recommendations.
Prepping A Cornish Hen For Cooking
Proper preparation is key to a perfectly roasted Cornish hen. Here’s how to get it ready:
- Thawing: If using a frozen Cornish hen, thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. For a quicker option, use your microwave’s defrost setting, but check the bird frequently to ensure even thawing.
- Cleaning: Rinse the hen thoroughly under cold water. Remove any giblets or excess fat from the cavity.
- Patting Dry: Use paper towels to pat the hen completely dry, inside and out. Dry skin helps it roast to a golden, crispy finish.
- Trimming and Tucking: Trim any excess skin or fat as needed. Tuck the wing tips behind the body to prevent them from burning during roasting.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Cornish hen recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Cornish Hen: The centerpiece of the dish, known for its tender, flavorful meat. A Cornish hen typically weighs 1 to 2 pounds, making it perfect for one or two servings.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavor. Adjust to your taste.
- Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy touch. You can substitute with orange for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes. Fresh minced garlic is ideal, but garlic powder works as a convenient alternative.
- Rosemary: Brings a fragrant, earthy flavor. Thyme or sage are great substitutes if rosemary isn’t available.
- Carrots and Red Potatoes: These vegetables add nutrients and pair perfectly with the roasted hen. Feel free to substitute with parsnips or sweet potatoes. Leftover carrots and potatoes are great additions to recipes like our Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Chicken Stew, or Creamy Vegetable Soup.
- Olive Oil and Butter: Both add richness and help achieve a perfectly roasted finish.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-Crusted Cornish Hen: Add an herb crust by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Rub this mixture under the skin and over the top of the hen before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
- Citrus-Glazed Cornish Hen: Create a glaze by mixing orange juice, honey, and a pinch of cayenne. Brush it over the hen during the last 15 minutes of roasting for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Mediterranean Cornish Hen: Season the hen with a blend of oregano, paprika, and lemon zest. Roast it with olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onions for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
How To Cook A Cornish Hen
For exact ingredient measurements and full details, see the recipe card below.
- Season the Hen: Start by seasoning the inside of the Cornish hen with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with a lemon wedge, a few garlic cloves, and a sprig of rosemary to add incredible flavor.
- Coat with Butter and Olive Oil: Mix olive oil and melted butter, then brush it lightly over the top of the hen. Sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the skin for extra seasoning.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Arrange your favorite roasting vegetables—such as carrots, potatoes, or onions—in a roasting pan. Place the seasoned hen on top of the vegetables. This creates a flavorful base and makes it an easy, one-pan meal.
- Roast: Follow the recipe instructions for roasting time and temperature to cook the hen to perfection.
Expert Tips
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to season both the inside and outside of the Cornish hen to enhance its flavor throughout.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Chop your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly alongside the hen.
- Check the Temperature: Since Cornish hens can vary in size, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked meat.
- Let It Rest: Allow the hen to rest for a few minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can substitute the carrots and potatoes with other vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F, and the juices should run clear.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain the crispy skin and tender texture.
If you’re looking for more gourmet meals perfectly portioned for one, be sure to check out our recipes for Turkey Tenderloin, Smothered Pork Chops, and Coq au Vin!
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
RELATED: Easy Comfort Food Recipes For One
Roasted Cornish Hen
Equipment
- 9.5-inch oval baking dish or a similarly sized baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Cornish game hen -patted dry with a paper towel
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt -divided
- ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper -divided
- 1 wedge lemon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 medium carrots -peeled and thickly chopped
- 2-3 small red skinned potatoes -scrubbed and quartered
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Stuff the Hen: Fill the cavity of the Cornish hen with the rosemary, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of pepper, the lemon wedge, and garlic cloves. Set the hen aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Lightly oil a medium baking dish and arrange the carrots and potatoes in an even layer.
- Add the Hen: Place the stuffed hen on top of the vegetables.
- Season and Add Butter: Rub the olive oil over the top of the hen and over the vegetables. Sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper evenly over the hen and the vegetables. Place the butter on top of the hen.
- Start Roasting: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Adjust Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Rest the Hen: Remove the hen from the oven, loosely tent it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving or serving.
Notes
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to season both the inside and outside of the Cornish hen to enhance its flavor throughout.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Chop your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly alongside the hen.
- Check the Temperature: Since Cornish hens can vary in size, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked meat.
- Let It Rest: Allow the hen to rest for a few minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Hello, I want to cook just the Cornish hen; I’m going to make different / separate veggies. How should I go about just cooking the bird – time and temp?
Thank you!
Great to hear you’re planning to cook the Cornish hen! You can follow the same time and temperature guidelines as indicated in the recipe, even if you’re preparing the veggies separately. This will ensure your Cornish hen is cooked perfectly. Enjoy your meal, and let us know how it turns out!