How to Cook Cornish Hens in the Oven (Juicy Every Time)
These oven roasted Cornish hens are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor from a simple blend of pantry seasonings. Roasted at 400°F until the skin is golden and crispy, this easy Cornish hen recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want something a little special without a lot of extra work.
Servings: 4
Calories: 392
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish Hens
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Remove anything from the cavity of the Cornish hens. Place the Cornish hens in a casserole dish and coat with the avocado oil. Combine the seasonings in a small bowl and season all sides of each hen.
- Place your Cornish Hens into already preheated oven and cook until internal temperature reaches 165F. This should take 55 minutes to an hour. Check the temperature of the hen by inserting the meat thermometer probe between the leg and breast.
Notes
Patting the Cornish hens dry before seasoning will help the skin become crisp and golden during roasting.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the hens. The most reliable way to determine doneness is with a meat thermometer. Cook until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
For an easy one-pan meal, surround the hens with chunks of potatoes, carrots, onions, or other root vegetables before roasting.
If using olive oil instead of avocado oil, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F to prevent the oil from smoking.
Leftover Cornish hen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is delicious in salads, soups, wraps, and casseroles.
Nutrition
Calories: 392 | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 31g | Fiber: 0g