Description
Herb-roasted Cornish Game Hens recipe that’s juicy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Perfect for gatherings and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Rub
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Game Hens
- 2 Cornish game hens, thawed (1 to 1.5 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (205°C). This temperature ensures a golden, crispy skin while keeping the inside juicy. - Prepare the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and garlic powder. Combine well and set aside. - Clean and Dry the Hens
Pat each hen dry using paper towels. This helps the skin crisp nicely during roasting. - Rub with Olive Oil
Coat each hen with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is lightly covered. - Apply the Dry Rub
Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the hens, rubbing it into the skin and cavity. - Stuff the Aromatics
Stuff each hen with lemon slices, garlic cloves, and sprigs of rosemary and thyme. - Arrange in Roasting Dish
Place the quartered onions in a roasting pan to create an aromatic base. Position the hens on top. - Roast the Hens
Roast for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should appear golden and crisp. - Rest Before Serving
Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
Notes
For extra-crispy skin, pat the hens dry and chill them uncovered in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cooking.
Rotate the roasting pan halfway through cooking for even browning.
Use kitchen twine to truss the legs if you want a more uniform shape.