Baked Cornish Game Hens Recipe

Juicy and flavorful baked Cornish game hens, infused with a zesty lemon herb butter. This easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 70 minutes! Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 70 mins
Calories 485.1 kcal
Protein 96g
Rating 4.4 (17 Reviews)
Baked Cornish Game Hens

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Cornish Game Hens

  • Cornish Hens
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Lemon Juice
  • Rosemary
  • Garlic Clove

How to Make Baked Cornish Game Hens

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, zest and juice one lemon. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley).
  4. Combine melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Rinse and pat dry two Cornish game hens. Place hens in a baking dish.
  6. Rub the lemon herb butter generously all over the hens, under the skin if desired.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, basting with pan juices every 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

83g

Carbs

0g