The Best Homemade Cornish Game Hen Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Cornish game hen recipe is a surefire way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. It’s perfect for both cozy dinners and special occasions, delivering big flavors in a small package. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The hens turn out juicy and tender, with crispy skin that’s packed with savory goodness. Plus, the customizable seasoning options let you make it your own, ensuring it’s a dish everyone will rave about.
Recipe
Cornish game hens make for an elegant and flavorful meal, perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner. Their small size guarantees quick cooking while delivering tender, juicy meat with a crispy skin. This simple yet delicious recipe brings out the best in these petite birds.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare hens: Pat them dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the skin.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Sprinkle evenly over the hens, inside and out.
- Stuff cavity: Place 2 lemon quarters and 2 rosemary sprigs inside each hen.
- Roast: Place hens breast-side up on a roasting pan or baking sheet. Roast for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Rest: Let hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Equipment
- Roasting pan or baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 50–60 minutes
Cuisine
American
Serving
2 servings
Nutrition
Cornish game hens are a delicious and nutritious option for a special meal. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my Cornish game hen with a vibrant roasted vegetable medley—it’s colorful, flavorful, and balances the dish perfectly. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are another favorite of mine; they add warmth and richness to the meal. Together, these sides make the dinner feel complete and satisfying.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Once you’ve got your Cornish game hen roasting away, it’s worth thinking about what’ll complement it perfectly—and that’s where a roasted vegetable medley comes in. I love tossing colorful veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting them at 400°F brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the hen’s rich flavor. I’ll often add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra zing. It’s simple, healthy, and adds vibrant color to your plate. Plus, it’s hands-off cooking, so you can focus on perfecting that hen!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Though it’s hard to go wrong with mashed potatoes, adding garlic takes them to a whole new level. I love roasting a few cloves until they’re soft and sweet, then mashing them into creamy, buttery potatoes. It’s simple but feels fancy, especially next to a Cornish game hen. I usually start with Yukon Golds—they’re the best for smooth texture—and add a splash of warm milk, a pat of butter, and a pinch of salt. The garlic melts right in, giving every bite a rich, savory flavor. When I serve it, everyone always asks for seconds—it’s that good!
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