Roasting Cornish Game Hens: How Long Does It Take?

Cornish game hens are a variety of broiler chicken, typically weighing between one and two pounds. They are usually served as individual portions and are often roasted with olive oil, herbs, and aromatics. The cooking time will depend on the size of the hens, but they should be fully cooked after around 40 to 60 minutes in an oven preheated to between 350 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to prepare the hens for roasting

Preparing your Cornish game hens for roasting is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your hens for roasting:

Thawing and Drying:

Start by thawing your Cornish hens if they are frozen. Place them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days to thaw completely before cooking. Set them on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any juices that may leak. Once they are thawed, pat the hens dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure even cooking and to help the seasoning stick to the hens.

Trussing:

You can choose to tie the legs of the hens with kitchen twine. Trussing helps hold the bird together during roasting, ensuring even cooking and a neat presentation.

Seasoning:

Combine your chosen seasonings in a small bowl to create a dry rub. You can use a variety of herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously coat the hens with the rub, making sure to season both the cavities and the outside of the birds. Don't forget to rub some of the seasoning mixtures inside the cavities of the hens for extra flavour.

Stuffing:

While optional, you can stuff the cavities of the hens with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or garlic cloves. This adds flavour and makes for a beautiful presentation. If you do stuff the hens, be sure to measure the temperature of the stuffing to ensure it reaches a safe minimum temperature of 165°F.

Aromatics:

Place a bed of aromatics in your roasting pan to elevate the hens and add flavour to the pan juices. You can use a variety of ingredients such as onion wedges, carrot chunks, lemon slices, and fresh herb sprigs. These aromatics will not only infuse flavour into the hens but also catch the drippings, creating a delicious base for gravy.

Oil or Butter:

Before placing the hens in the roasting pan, drizzle them with olive oil or brush them with softened butter. This helps the seasoning stick to the birds and promotes crispy skin.

Preheating the Oven:

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 450°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your preferred level of doneness and the size of your hens.

Your Cornish game hens are now ready for roasting! Place them in the preheated oven and follow your chosen recipe for cooking time and temperature guidelines. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How long to roast for

The cooking time for Cornish game hens varies depending on the weight of the hens and the temperature of the oven. The hens are typically done when the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 165°F.

For example, if you are roasting two hens weighing 1 1/2 to 2 pounds each in an oven preheated to 425°F, they will take about 50 to 60 minutes to cook. However, if you are roasting six hens weighing about 1 1/2 pounds each in an oven preheated to 375°F, they will take about 1 hour to cook.

It is important to note that the cooking time can also vary depending on the desired level of doneness. For instance, some people prefer to remove the hens from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as the hens rest. Others may prefer to cook the hens until the juices run clear.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the hens rest for about 10 minutes after removing them from the oven before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat.

What temperature to roast at

Roasting is one of the most popular ways to cook a Cornish game hen. The ideal temperature to roast at is between 350°F and 450°F.

Some recipes suggest starting the roasting process at a higher temperature of 450°F and then reducing the heat to 400°F. This initial blast of heat will help to create a crispy skin.

Other recipes suggest a consistent roasting temperature of 425°F. This temperature will also help to create a crispy skin, and the hens will be cooked in around 50 minutes.

If you are cooking at a lower temperature of 350°F, the hens will take less time to cook, around 25 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the hens are cooked through. The best way to check this is to use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the meat should reach a temperature of 165°F.

What to serve with the hens

There are many side dishes that go well with Cornish game hens, regardless of how you prepare them. Here are some ideas:

Starchy Sides

To balance out the richness of the hens, consider serving them with something starchy. Mushroom rice is a hearty dish that pairs well with the savoury hens. The mushrooms add a nice earthy flavour to the dish, and you can use either white or brown rice.

Sweet and Savoury

Glazed carrots are a great side dish to serve with Cornish hens as they complement each other in terms of flavour and texture. The crunchiness of the carrots provides a wonderful contrast to the tenderness of the bird.

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted red or sweet potatoes are another tasty and filling option that is easy to prepare. Simply coat the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until golden brown. You can also make scalloped potatoes, which are rich, tender, and full of flavour.

Vegetables

Cornish game hens also go well with a variety of vegetables, such as roasted root vegetables, honey-glazed carrots, grilled vegetable medley, or caramelized Brussels sprouts. You can also serve them with a fresh salad to add a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the tender meat.

Breads and Rolls

Buttery dinner rolls or brioche stuffing can also be served alongside Cornish game hens to soak up the rich and savoury juices from the meat.

Gravy

The pan juices from the roasted hens can be used to make a delicious gravy to drizzle over the meat and vegetables.

Other Options

Some other side dishes that pair well with Cornish game hens include wild rice pilaf, butternut squash, brown rice with vegetables, blooming onion, mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, herbed couscous, creamed spinach, and sweet potato casserole.

How to store leftovers

Roasted Cornish game hens are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.

Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator

Leftover Cornish game hens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To ensure food safety and maintain freshness, follow these steps:

• Allow the roasted hens to cool: After removing the hens from the oven, let them cool down at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
• Portion the hens: Once the hens have cooled, cut them into halves or pieces. This will make it easier to store and reheat individual servings.
• Use airtight containers: Place the leftover Cornish game hens in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Proper sealing prevents moisture loss and keeps the meat from absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Store in the coldest part of the fridge: Place the containers at the back of the fridge, where the temperature is typically colder, to extend the shelf life of the leftovers.

Storing Leftovers in the Freezer

If you don't plan on eating the leftovers within a few days, freezing is a great option to preserve them for up to three months. Here's how to do it:

• Portion the hens: Cut the leftover hens into halves or individual servings. This will make it easier to thaw and reheat the exact amount you need.
• Wrap the portions: Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. You can also place the portions in freezer bags. Make sure to label the packages with the date and contents.
• Store in the freezer: Place the wrapped portions in the freezer, where they will keep for up to three months.

Reheating Tips

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover Cornish game hens, simply remove them from the refrigerator or freezer and reheat them. Here are some tips for reheating:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the leftover hens in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminium foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a small amount of chicken broth, water, or pan drippings to prevent the meat from drying out. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: If you're in a hurry, the microwave is a quick option. Place the leftovers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions