Cornish hens are the secret weapon of small Thanksgiving dinners—quick to cook, perfectly portioned, and guaranteed to make the table feel festive. When you don’t need (or want) a giant turkey, these little golden birds deliver all the holiday flavor without any of the stress.
Cornish Hens
Course: UncategorizedServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
1
hourTotal time
1
hour10
minutesCornish hens are the perfect downsized holiday main—beautifully golden, tender, and surprisingly simple to prepare. They feel special without requiring the marathon cooking session of a full turkey.
Ingredients
2 Cornish hens, patted dry
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic
Fresh herbs (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub hens with olive oil or butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Stuff each cavity with half a lemon and 2 garlic cloves.
- Place hens on a baking tray and roast 50–60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Optional Tips/Variations
- Add baby potatoes or carrots to the roasting pan for a one-pan meal.
Brush hens with honey or maple syrup during the last 10 minutes for a glossy finish.
Swap dried herbs for poultry seasoning.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.
