Herb Butter Roasted Cornish Hens

Cornish game hens baked or smoked with fresh garlic and rosemary and lemon for a deliciously juicy and flavorful meal.

These Buttered Lemon Garlic Rosemary Cornish Hens are a flavorful, aromatic dish perfect for special occasions. Seasoned with paprika and Italian seasoning, the hens are stuffed with lemon, garlic, and rosemary for a fresh, zesty flavor. Basted with melted butter throughout cooking, they stay tender and juicy, resulting in a deliciously succulent dish that’s sure to impress.

Servings

2

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

90 minutes

Total Time

120 minutes

For the Hens
2 Cornish hens
Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
4 tablespoons melted butter (divided)

For the Stuffing & Flavoring
1 lemon, quartered (plus juice for squeezing)
4 cloves garlic, halved
2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Quarter the lemon and halve the garlic cloves.
  • Pat Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels for better browning.
  • Melt the butter and set aside, reserving half for basting later.

Seasoning & Stuffing

  • Stuff each hen cavity with lemon wedges, garlic halves, and a rosemary sprig.
  • Squeeze remaining lemon juice over the outside of the hens.
  • Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
  • Sprinkle evenly with paprika and Italian seasoning.
  • Brush or drizzle with half of the melted butter.

Cooking

  • Place hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
  • Roast uncovered for 30 minutes.
  • Remove and baste with more butter.
  • Continue roasting 60 minutes more, until:
  • Skin is golden brown and crisp
  • Internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) in the thigh
  • Baste once more during the final 15 minutes for extra browning.

Resting

  • Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil.
  • Rest 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Serving

  • Slice or serve whole/halved.
  • Spoon pan juices over the top.
  • Serve hot with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.