Seasoned Cornish Game Hen

Tender and succulent Cornish game hen is seasoned with a simple blend of aromatic spices and roasted to golden perfection. This small bird is leaner than chicken and rich in flavor once served over your favorite side dish.

There are many ways to prepare it, and here is one of the easiest recipes you can use to impress your guests or treat your family to a memorable culinary adventure with this elegant and delicious dish.

Ingredients for Seasoned Cornish Game Hen

• Cornish Hen: A small, tender bird with delicate flavor and juicy meat; similar to chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor; keeps hen moist and tender as it roasts.
• Avocado Oil: Used to coat hen before seasoning and roasting; it also helps in crisping up the skin.
• Seasonings: Salt and black pepper. Basic seasonings that enhance and balance flavors.
• Lemon: Placed inside the cavity to infuse meat with citrus flavors.
• Garlic Cloves: Used for buttery coating and placed inside the cavity; adds aromatic, garlicky flavor.
• Herbs: Rosemary and Thyme-fragrant herbs; infuse meat with their herbal essence.

Seasoned Cornish Game Hen Recipe

• 2 whole raw Cornish hens (about 22oz. / 624g each)
• 2 lemons (130g) cut into slices (for citrus flavor)
• 4 sprigs (4g) of fresh rosemary (to infuse meat)
• 6 sprigs (6g) of fresh thyme (to infuse meat)
• 4 cloves garlic (12g) smashed and peeled

Butter-Mixture

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) avocado oil or any high-smoke point oil
• 3 tablespoons (42g) butter, softened, more if needed
• 1-2 teaspoons (4g) pink or kosher salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary leaves only
• 2 cloves garlic (6g), peeled and minced

Recommended Equipment

• Ninja Foodi Grill with single cooking potbasket inserted.
• Forks: For flipping the bird halfway through cooking
• Twine: To tie the hen’s legs together before roasting.

How to Make Seasoned Cornish Game Hen

Prepare the Bird: Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Optionally, you can brine your bird for 2-4 hours before roasting.

Butter Coat: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, avocado oil, minced garlic cloves, and finely chopped rosemary leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Butter the Bird: Gently loosen the skin of the hens and rub the butter mixture underneath, covering as much of the meat as possible. Then, rub the remaining butter mixture over the entire surface of the hen’s skin on both sides. Stuff the cavity of each hen with lemon slices, garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs. Use kitchen twine to tie the hen’s legs together for even cooking.

Roast the Bird (Ninja Grill & Oven Methods)

Ninja Grill: Insert the cooking pot into the unit and close the hood. Select ROAST, set temperature to 350°F (175°C), and set time to 40 minutes. Press START/STOP to begin preheating. When the unit beeps and displays ADD FOOD, open the hood and place the hens breast side down in the cooking pot spacing in between. Close the hood and roast for 20 minutes, then use forks flip them over breast side up, and continue roasting for the remaining 20 minutes. (Ninja Foodi How-To Roast)

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hens breast side down on a roasting rack set inside a baking dish. Roast them for 25-30 minutes, then use forks to flip the hens breast side up and continue roasting for about 20-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 150-160°F (65-71°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Basting Tip: Consider basting the hens with pan juices or additional melted butter during roasting for extra flavor and moisture.

Resting Time: Once roasted, remove the hens wrap them in heavy-duty aluminum foil, and allow them to rest until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), for about 10 minutes.

Serve the roasted Cornish game hens hot and enjoy the juicy, flavorful meat.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

• Brining: Brine hens before roasting to add flavor and juiciness.
• Butter: Season and butter hen evenly over and under the skin.
• Tying Legs: Tie hen’s legs together for easy flipping and to secure the stuffing.
• Resting: Allow hens to rest after roasting; resulting in tender and juicy meat.
• Basting: Baste hens during roasting for extra flavor and moisture.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container (4.7-cup fits whole 22oz bird) for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the whole bird in the oven at 350°F (176°C) on a baking sheet covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat small portions in the microwave to the desired temperature.

Yields: 2 Cornish hens / 624 grams each / 1248 grams in total
Servings: 2 servings of 1 hen / 22-ounces / 624 grams per serving

Serving Suggestions

• Veggies: Serve hens alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal.
• Rice: Pair hen with infused rice for a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
• Salad: Balance the richness of hens with a crisp and refreshing salad.
• Wine: Enhance the dining experience with a well-chosen light and fruity wine pairing.
• Side: Add a side of mashed potatoes to complement juicy, flavorful meat.

You May Also Like…

• Citrus And Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe
• Ninja Foodi How-To Roast
• Garlic Butter Roast Chicken Recipe