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Herb Butter Cornish Hen Recipe

This post was last updated on October 7, 2024 at 5:10 pm

March 30, 2021 by Tamara J. 69 Comments

Thanks for sharing!

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Take Me to the Recipe

Cornish Hen is the perfect recipe for gatherings, from holidays to cozy date nights. With roasted, tender meat, herb-infused butter, and rich bacon gravy, this entree feels like a feast!

Are you looking for other delicious main course options? Try my Smothered Turkey Wings and Oven Roasted Chicken next.

sliced cornish hens

The Best Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe

I love making these roasted cornish hens whenever I’m hosting a special dinner or just want to treat myself to something a little fancy. With its golden brown, crispy skin and succulent meat, it never fails to impress.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, but it has that elegant touch that makes it feel like a restaurant-quality dish. I like to spatchcock the hens so they cook faster and more evenly.

And they’re the perfect size for individual servings so there's no need to carve a whole bird! It’s a great choice when I’m having guests over or planning a dinner party.

chopped up cornish hen

What is Cornish Hen?

A Cornish game hen is a small, young chicken that typically weighs around 1 to 2 pounds. The meat is tender and flavorful. When fully matured, these game birds are about half the size of a regular chicken.

Despite its size, it stays juicy when roasted, making it perfect for special occasions. Its compact size means it cooks faster than larger poultry, and it’s often served as a perfect individual portion for dinner parties or intimate meals.

close up view of baked cornish hen

Ingredients

  • Cornish hens: They are usually about 1.5-2 pounds each.
  • Unsalted butter: Use unsalted so you can control the amount of sodium. You could use olive oil but butter flavor is so mouthwatering and rich.
  • Fresh Herbs: Thyme has an earthy, subtle minty flavor.
  • Ground Herb: Ground sage has a bold, peppery taste.
  • Chicken stock: This helps the skin crisp up as it bakes.
  • Seasoning: I season the bird with seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
seasoning for cornish hen recipe
seasoned full chickens in baking pan before cooked

Bacon Gravy

Serve your cornish hens with bacon gravy for a savory addition! Bacon gravy requires hearty bacon, that will stand-up to being fried and chopped.

How to Cook Cornish Hens

See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

How to Spatchcock a Cornish Hen

First, I preheat my oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9x13 baking dish or roasting pan with non-stick spray. Then, I clean the hens, removing any giblets.

I use kitchen shears to cut down each side of the backbone. I start at the neck and work my way down to the tail. Once the backbone is out, I open up the hens and flatten them.

Herb Butter Cornish Hen
Herb Butter Cornish Hen

Prepare Herb Butter & Season the Cornish Hens

I mix the softened butter, fresh rosemary, thyme, and ground sage in a small bowl until it’s well combined.

a bowl containing a stick of butter beside a small dish of dried herbs
herb butter in a bowl on a cutting board next to a wooden spoon

I like to loosen the skin with my fingers and spread the herb butter underneath, reserving about 2 tablespoons to rub over the top and baste the hens later. Then I lay the hens flat and season them generously on both sides.

seasoned chicken ready for the oven

How to Cook a Game Hen in the Oven

I pour the chicken stock directly into the baking dish, then pop the hens in the oven to bake for about an hour. I check on them after 30 minutes to give them a quick baste with the pan juices. This helps keep them juicy and full of flavor.

a baster applying garlic butter to spatchocked cornish hen

While the hens roast, it’s a great time to whip up a batch of my savory bacon gravy. It takes 15 minutes tops and serves as a delicious sauce.

The hens are ready when they’re golden brown and the wings or legs feel tender when I gently pull them. It’s such an easy recipe, and perfect for those cozy dinners or special occasions!

spatchocked chicken in baking pan

Pro Tips

  • Pat the hens dry with a paper towel before seasoning to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
  • Roast the breast side up. This maximizes the skin’s exposure to the heat for a perfectly golden brown finish.
  • One hen is enough for one hearty serving or can be split into two smaller servings.
  • You can find premium Cornish hens at your local Walmart. I found mine in the middle section of the meat department at my store.

What goes well with Cornish hens?

Cornish hens pair perfectly with classic Southern sides like sweet cast iron cornbread, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts also complement the tender, roasted hens.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave.

We love using leftover bacon gravy the next day with breakfast dishes like biscuits or eggs. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat it over low heat on the stove.

close up view of spatchcock cornish hens

Frequently Asked Questions

Should Cornish hens be covered when baking?

Cornish hens don’t need to be covered while baking. Leaving them uncovered helps achieve a golden brown, crispy skin. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them loosely with foil for the last part of the baking time.

What temperature should Cornish hens be cooked at?

For the best results, bake Cornish hens at 350°F. This temperature ensures the meat cooks evenly while keeping it juicy and tender.

How do I keep the Cornish hens from drying out?

Allow the cooked hen to rest for about ten minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, succulent meat. Adding butter to the hens is also helpful to keep them moist and tender.

spatchcock cornish hens

More Chicken Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • close up view of a bowl of Filipino chicken adobo with rice
    Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
  • platter of homemade Popeyes fried chicken
    Better than Popeyes Fried Chicken
  • close up view of grilled chicken thighs plated
    Sweet and Spicy Glazed and Grilled Chicken Thighs
  • plated Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with a small saucer of sauce, macaroni salad, and rice
    Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

After you try this Cornish Game Hen recipe, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!

📖 Recipe

cornish hen on a tray with herbs around it as garnish

Herb Butter Cornish Hens w/ Bacon Gravy

Cornish Hen is the perfect recipe for gatherings, from holidays to cozy date nights. With roasted, tender meat, herb-infused butter, and rich bacon gravy this entree feels like a feast!
Print Recipe SaveSaved! Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: a good recipe for cornish hens, cornish game hen, cornish game hen recipe, cornish game hen recipes, cornish hen, cornish hen recipe, cornish hen recipes, cornish hens, cornish hens recipe, how to cook cornish hens, roasted cornish game hen, what is a cornish hen
Servings: 2 Hens
Calories: 365kcal
Author: Tamara J.

Ingredients

Cornish Hens

  • 2 whole Cornish hens
  • 1 stick Unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Thyme
  • ½ cup Chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon Seasoning salt
  • ½ tablespoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Ground sage
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Onion powder
  • Bacon Gravy optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9x11 baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Clean the Cornish hens by removing any giblets. Using kitchen shears, cut down each side of the backbone, starting at the neck and cutting down to the tail. Remove the backbone and flatten the hens.
  • Season the front and back of each hen with seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • In a small bowl, combine the butter, fresh thyme, rosemary, and ground sage.
  • Loosen the skin of the hens and spread the herb butter evenly under the skin, reserving 2 tablespoons for basting.
  • Add the chicken stock to the baking dish. Place the hens in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, basting with the pan juices after 30 minutes.
  • While the Cornish hens roast, you can prepare the savory bacon gravy to serve alongside. (The link to my detailed recipe is in the notes section below.)
  • The hens are ready when they turn golden brown, and the wings or legs feel tender when gently pulled.

Notes

There is a loose flap of skin near the bottom of the breast. Cut a slit on both sides of this area to insert each leg into. This just helps keep the legs in place for a beautiful presentation.
Cooking times may vary by the size of the hens and different oven settings.
Click here for the Savory Bacon Gravy recipe.

Recommended Products

Land O Lakes Unsalted Butter, 1 lb.
Land O Lakes Unsalted Butter, 1 lb.
RJUN Kitchen Chef's Knives 8 Inches Ergonomic Juglans Regia Wood Handle German High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife and Gift Box
RJUN Kitchen Chef's Knives 8 Inches Ergonomic Juglans Regia Wood Handle German High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife and Gift Box
bamfitwell Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove
bamfitwell Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove
Silicone Basting Pastry Brush Spread Oil Butter Sauce Marinades for BBQ Grill Baking Kitchen Cooking, Baste Pastries Cakes Meat Sausages Desserts, Food Grade, Dishwasher safe
Silicone Basting Pastry Brush Spread Oil Butter Sauce Marinades for BBQ Grill Baking Kitchen Cooking, Baste Pastries Cakes Meat Sausages Desserts, Food Grade, Dishwasher safe
Kitchen Shears, iBayam 2-Pack Kitchen Scissors Heavy Duty Meat Scissors, Dishwasher Safe Cooking Scissors, Multipurpose Stainless Steel Sharp Utility Food Scissors for Chicken, Poultry, Fish, Herbs
Kitchen Shears, iBayam 2-Pack Kitchen Scissors Heavy Duty Meat Scissors, Dishwasher Safe Cooking Scissors, Multipurpose Stainless Steel Sharp Utility Food Scissors for Chicken, Poultry, Fish, Herbs
OXO Good Grips Freezer-to-Oven Safe 3 Qt Glass Baking Dish with Lid, 9 x 13,Clear,9 x 13"
OXO Good Grips Freezer-to-Oven Safe 3 Qt Glass Baking Dish with Lid, 9 x 13,Clear,9 x 13"

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 271mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog and tag me in your photo on Instagram or Facebook!

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Thanks for sharing!

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Comments

    4.64 from 22 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Aimee DiPasquale says

    December 11, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    That looks so so delicious. I would love that for my christmas eve get together.

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:24 am

      Yes- it would be perfect!

      Reply
  2. Aline says

    December 11, 2019 at 6:28 pm

    I love this recipe for Sunday supper. The ham and gravy make everything even better!!!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:25 am

      Yes indeed! Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Ai says

    December 11, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    Girl, you had me at herb butter! That bird looks perfectly roasted with crispy skin! Yummy 😀

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:27 am

      It is delicious!

      Reply
  4. Gari says

    December 11, 2019 at 4:17 am

    Your recipes always inspire me, this looks amazing.

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:27 am

      Well thank you!

      Reply
  5. Lisa Ho says

    December 11, 2019 at 1:52 am

    I have never tried roasting young chooks before, hopefully I can find one here (Australia) so that I can try your recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 11, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      Yes, you will love it!

      Reply
  6. Genevieve says

    December 11, 2019 at 1:51 am

    I had no idea Tyson made Cornish Game Hens! What a unique recipe and bacon does make everything better. 🙂

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:27 am

      Yes! They’re the best!

      Reply
  7. Angela says

    December 10, 2019 at 11:30 pm

    I am so on the look out for cornish game hens now so I can make this - yum!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:28 am

      Awesome! It’s amazing, and foolproof!

      Reply
  8. Raquel says

    December 10, 2019 at 7:33 pm

    I love how delicious the roasted skin looks! I'm not big on meat as an entree, but these pictures make me want to just cook up a bird!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:28 am

      It is something special!

      Reply
  9. Christy Boston's Kitchen says

    December 10, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    I usually associate spatchcocking with larger birds, but what a great idea to do it with a Cornish hen! I love Cornish hens because they make for single meals and are so pretty on the plate. And bacon gravy... yum!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 12, 2019 at 3:32 am

      They’re the perfect size!

      Reply
  10. Colleen | Bakes & Blunders says

    December 09, 2019 at 11:28 pm

    That looks delicious! I've never tried making Cornish hens before because I just had no idea what to do. Thanks for breaking it down 😀

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:10 am

      Oh you should definitely give them a try!

      Reply
  11. Kenya Rae says

    December 09, 2019 at 2:26 am

    Cornish hens are so delicious. I have not made them in forever but this has put them back on my radar.

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:12 am

      They are delicious!

      Reply
  12. Katrina Adams says

    December 09, 2019 at 2:01 am

    I plan on making a Cornish Hen for Christmas so this recipe is right on Time!!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:12 am

      Perfect! They make for a great meal.

      Reply
  13. Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says

    December 09, 2019 at 1:46 am

    My mama always made cornish hens for holidays, so this brought me back! So good, really flavorful and that bacon gravy is to die for!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:13 am

      Thank you, it really is delicious!

      Reply
  14. Jazz says

    December 09, 2019 at 1:40 am

    This is right on time for the holidays!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:13 am

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  15. LaKita says

    December 09, 2019 at 12:01 am

    They look so delicious and bacon gravy sounds amazing!!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:13 am

      The bacon gravy takes the Cornish hen to the next level!

      Reply
  16. SHANIKA says

    December 07, 2019 at 6:00 am

    I love making Cornish Hens! These look so beautifully done and the Herb Butter rub looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:14 am

      Thank you! They are delicious.

      Reply
  17. Desiree says

    December 05, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    Looks so well seasoned! Love the addition of the ground sage.

    Reply
  18. Marta says

    December 05, 2019 at 1:12 am

    I love that you're using cornish hen! It's so underrated.

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 05, 2019 at 9:05 pm

      I agree! They are the perfect serving sizes for our family.

      Reply
  19. Kay says

    December 04, 2019 at 8:57 am

    We love a spatchcocked chicken in our house! Cooks it perfectly and I love the gravy you posted to go with it.

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 04, 2019 at 9:50 pm

      Yes, I agree!

      Reply
  20. Erika says

    December 03, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    This sounds amazing and bacon really does make everything taste better!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 05, 2019 at 9:20 pm

      Yes, bacon definitely makes everything better.

      Reply
Newer Comments »

HEY, Y'ALL!

I'm Tamara! I'm a Southern girl who has cooking in her blood. A wife and busy mom of four awesome kids. I love sharing fun family ideas, money saving life hacks, and have a variety of fool-proof family-friendly recipes for the family on the go. Learn more about Tamara


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