Easy Baked Cornish Hens are the quick and simple dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked chicken, cornish hen
Servings: 4
Calories: 529kcal
Author: Kellie
Cost: $10
Equipment
baking sheet
Ingredients
2cornish hens
2tbspolive oil
1lemoncut into quarters
4garlic cloves
4-8sprigs fresh thyme
1tbspkosher salt
1tbspfresh black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
Remove the innards from the cavity of the hen and discard (or freeze for later.) Pat the hens fry with a paper towel and place on a baking sheet.
Coat the hens, liberally, with the olive oil. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
Stuff half the lemon, garlic and herbs into the cavity of the hens. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the back of the hen. (This prevents the tips from burning.)
Roast the cornish hens for 40 minutes until the skin is golden crispy and the juices run clear. Your cornish hen is done when the temperature reaches 165˚F on an instant read thermometer.
Remove your cornish hens from the oven and cover with foil. Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
You can prep the cornish hens up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking.