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Herb-Stuffed Roasted Cornish Hens

Name: Herb-Stuffed Roasted Cornish Hens
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 2 servings.
Ingredients: 2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each); 12 fresh sage leaves; 4 lemon wedges; 6 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths, divided; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; 6 small red potatoes, halved

19 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 70 min.

Makes

2 servings

Updated: Mar. 14, 2023

If you're looking for an elegant dinner for two, we suggest these Cornish hen recipe. As a bonus, the crisp, tasty potatoes cook right alongside the meat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
12 fresh sage leaves
4 lemon wedges
6 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths, divided
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
6 small red potatoes, halved

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Gently lift skin from hen breasts and place sage leaves under skin. Place lemon wedges and a third of the onions in the cavities. Tuck wings under hens; tie legs together. Place in a small greased roasting pan.
Combine butter, oil, lemon juice and garlic; spoon half the mixture over hens. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake 30 minutes. Add potatoes and remaining onions to pan. Brush hens with remaining butter mixture. Bake until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175° and potatoes are tender, 40-45 minutes longer.
Remove hens to a serving platter. Stir potatoes and onions to coat with pan drippings. Serve with hens.

Cornish Hens Tips

How can you serve Cornish hens?

You can serve Cornish game hens by cutting them in half (there’s a lot of meat on those little birds!) to cut fat and calories. They are delicious hot from the oven but can also be nibbled on as a cold snack.

What else can you serve with Cornish hens?

You can serve myriad things with Cornish game hens, such as rice pilaf, glazed carrots and dinner rolls!

Can you make Cornish hens ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cornish game hens ahead of time. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat reads 165°F.

How can you store leftovers of this Cornish hen recipe?

Store leftover Cornish game hens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

—Julie Schnittka, Taste of Home Senior Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 984 calories, 68g fat (22g saturated fat), 381mg cholesterol, 1239mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 64g protein.