These juicy roasted Cornish hens are full of lemon pepper flavor. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it is budget-friendly! If you haven't tried a Cornish hen yet, you will love this tasty recipe!
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Your family is going to love this fun flavorful dinner. No more fighting over who gets the legs or the wings! Everyone can have their own when you make this delicious Roasted Cornish hens recipe.
Tender and juicy, the lemon pepper flavor makes every bite of these roasted Cornish game hens taste delicious. If your little ones don't like lemon pepper, I include several flavor options so they can have a flavor they like.
Why this roasted Cornish hens recipe is great:
- It is easy with just a few simple ingredients.
- Cornish game hens are budget friendly.
- You can roast the hens separately, or toss your favorite vegetables onto the pan to save time and cook them altogether!
- I include other flavor variations.
If you love making Cornish games hens, you need to try this incredible Bacon-Wrapped Cornish Hens recipe!
Ingredient notes:
- Cornish game hens - You can usually find them in the frozen meat section. They often come in a two pack.
- Lemon pepper seasoning - Most are gluten free but always read the labels.
- Avocado oil - or light oil.
- Lemons - fresh is always better if you have lemons on hand.
How to oven bake Cornish hens:
IMPORTANT: Be sure you thaw your Cornish hens for 2 days in the refrigerator before baking. You can not bake frozen Cornish hens.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º F. In a bowl, add the lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Place the hens on a sheet pan.
HINT: If you like a pretty presentation. Use cooking string to tie the feet together.
Step 2: Brush the lemon mixture over the hens. Try to get under the skin too so the flavor can cook into the meat. I like to putt up the skin near the cavity and brush the marinade in under the skin.
Step 3: Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning over the marinaded chicken.
Step 4: How long to cook Cornish hens at 350º F? Cook the hens for 50 minutes at 350º F. After 50 minutes, insert a meat thermometer into several areas. The hens are done when the internal temperature is 165º F.
You can also cook Cornish hens in your air fryer! Check out my easy Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens recipe!
Flavor variations:
You can use another seasoning if you do not like lemon pepper. Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Instead of lemon pepper, use thyme and basil with garlic butter.
- Use a barbecue rub instead of garlic and lemon pepper.
- Swap out the lemon for orange juice and thyme to make this sweeter.
If you like to use a slow cooker, try my Slow Cooker Cornish Hens recipe too!
Storage:
Store any leftover baked Cornish hens in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them in a zip-style freezer bag.
Tips and Recipe FAQ:
I roast my Cornish hens at 350º F.
Allow the roasted hens to sit for 5 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat.
You will know the hens are done cooking when the internal temperature is 165º F.
By brushing the lemon pepper butter over the outside of the hens, it helps the skin get crispy while baking.
Serve Cornish hens with:
More gluten free dinner recipes:
- One Pot Cajun Rice and Beans
- Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Tenders
- Gluten Free Tuna Casserole
- Easy Chicken Feta Pasta
📖 Recipe
Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Lemon Pepper
Equipment
- 9x13 pan
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens * see note
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Remove the hens from their packages and be sure there are no packets of organs in the cavity.
- Spray a small sheet pan or 9x13 pan with oil.
- Place the hens into the pan. Optional: You can use bakers twine to tie the legs together if you like. If you plan to roast vegetables with the hens, add those to your sheet pan too.
- Place the butter, garlic, lemon juice, and salt into a small microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 20-25 seconds until the butter is melted.
- Brush the hens with the butter mixture. Be sure to gently lift the skin and brush the mixture under the breasts as well so the flavor bakes in nicely.
- Sprinkle the hens with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully baste more of the butter mixture over the hens.
- Bake an additional 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature of the hens is 165º F.
Notes
- Do not use a frozen Cornish hen. They will not absorb the flavor and will cook unevenly. To thaw a Cornish hen, remove them from the freezer and store in the refrigerator 1-2 days until thawed. Do not thaw the birds on the counter.
- You will know the hens are fully cooked when they have an internal temperature of 165º F.
- The cooked hens will keep up to 3 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the extra meat. I recommend removing the meat from the bones before freezing.
Flavor variations:
You can use another seasoning if you do not like lemon pepper. Here are a few delicious ideas:- Instead of lemon pepper, use thyme and basil with garlic butter.
- Use a barbecue rub instead of garlic and lemon pepper.
- Swap out the lemon for orange juice and thyme to make this sweeter.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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