Roasted Cornish Hen

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

Tuck the wings underneath the breast of each hen. Stuff each hen cavity with the rosemary and thyme sprigs, onion and lemon.

Step 3

Tie the legs of the hens together with kitchen twine.

Step 4

Place the butter, garlic, minced thyme, rosemary and parsley, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Rub the butter mixture all over the hens, both on the outside of the hens and underneath the skin.

Step 6

Place the hens in the prepared dish.

Step 7

Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F. The cook time may vary a bit depending on the size of your birds.

Step 8

If the skin is getting overly dark as the hens cook, them with foil.

Step 9

Let the hens rest for 5 minutes. Remove the lemon, onion and herbs from the hen cavities. Cut in half, then serve with pan drippings. Garnish with lemon and herbs if desired.