Baked Cornish Hens with Rosemary Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This Herb-Roasted Cornish Hens with Rosemary Recipe is a delightful option for special occasions like Thanksgiving. These tender hens are infused with aromatic rosemary and garlic, creating a flavorful and impressive dish that will impress your guests.

The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Serve these hens with your favorite sides for a complete holiday meal.

Easy Baked Cornish Hens with Rosemary Recipe

This recipe features Cornish hens seasoned with fresh rosemary, garlic, and lemon, roasted to perfection. The cooking time is approximately 1 hour, and it serves 4 people.

Ingredients

4 Cornish hens, thawed
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1 lemon, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Hens: Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a roasting pan.
Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the hens, including under the skin. Squeeze the juice of the lemon halves inside each hen and place the halves in the cavity.
Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Roast: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.