Best Baked Cornish Hens
Oven-baked Cornish hens with crispy skin and herb-butter flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens about 1–1¼ lb each, thawed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 lemon halved
- Optional aromatics: garlic cloves onion wedges, fresh herbs
Instructions
- Dry and season hens thoroughly.
- Stuff with lemon and aromatics.
- Roast uncovered until golden and cooked through.
- Rest briefly, then serve with pan juices.
Notes
- Dry skin is key to crispness
- Roast at high heat
- Rest before cutting
- Serve whole or halved