Description
Juicy, flavorful Cornish hen with golden crispy skin, roasted with garlic, lemon, butter, and fresh herbs alongside tender vegetables. An elegant yet easy dinner for special occasions or weeknights.
Ingredients
1 Cornish hen (about 1 lb) per person
1 cup potatoes, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra for cavity if desired)
1 lemon, halved (plus optional zest)
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet.
2. Pat the Cornish hen dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp.
3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
4. Rub the herb-butter mixture all over the hen (and under the skin if you can).
5. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and garlic.
6. Scatter potatoes, carrots, and onions around the hen in the pan. Toss veggies lightly in the pan drippings if needed.
7. Roast uncovered 45–50 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For extra-crispy skin, pat the hen very dry and roast uncovered.
If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon total (dried is stronger than fresh).
Add lemon zest to the butter mixture for brighter flavor.
Leftovers store in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen with vegetables
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 160mg