Delicious Cornish Hens Recipe for a Perfect Dinner

Cornish Hens — a american recipe (main course) with 8 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

90

Total Time (min)

6

servings

904

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Cornish Hens Recipe for a Perfect Dinner

Ingredients

Servings:
6
  • 2 Cornish hens Cornish hens (Cleaned and patted dry)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (Smoked paprika for extra flavor)
  • 1 lemon lemon (Juiced with zest reserved)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (For garnish)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Hens

    Rub the Cornish hens with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

    Make sure to coat the hens evenly for maximum flavor.
  3. Add Lemon Juice

    Squeeze lemon juice over the hens and sprinkle with lemon zest.

    This adds a fresh flavor to the dish.
  4. Arrange in Baking Dish

    Place the hens breast-side up in a baking dish.

    Use a dish that allows for even heat distribution.
  5. Roast the Hens

    Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until fully cooked.

    Baste the hens halfway through for extra moisture.
  6. Check Doneness

    Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

    Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  7. Rest and Serve

    Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

    Resting allows juices to redistribute for moist meat.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free. Diet: Low-Carb

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your american meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Coleslaw
🍽️French fries or baked potatoes
🍽️Corn on the cob

About This Dish

Delicious Cornish Hens Recipe for a Perfect Dinner is a beloved dish from American cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 90 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions from around the world, shaped by the diverse cultures that make up the nation. From hearty comfort food to innovative modern dishes.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

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Nutrition Facts

6 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat24gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates1gg
Dietary Fiber0gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein28gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineAmerican