how long to cook Cornish hens at 350 recipe When it comes to comfort food that feels fancy but is totally doable, Cornish hens are a hidden gem. They’re perfect for small holiday dinners, cozy nights in, or when you just want to treat yourself (or a friend) to something special. In this guide, you’ll learn exactlyhow long to cook Cornish hens at 350 , and you’ll get a full step-by-step recipe with side dishes to match.
Whether you’re solo or serving a small group, this dish will leave everyone smiling—and full!
What Are Cornish Hens?
Before we dive into the details of how long to cook Cornish hens at 350 recipe, let’s get to know the star of the show. Cornish hens are small chickens—technically a cross between a Cornish and a White Rock chicken. They usually weigh around 1 to 1.5 pounds each and are super tender thanks to their young age.
Because of their size, they cook faster than regular chickens and are perfect for individual servings.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe special, you don’t need complicated ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cornish Hens:
- 2 Cornish hens (thawed if frozen)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 sprig rosemary (minced)
- 6-7 sprigs thyme (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Butcher’s twine (optional, for trussing)
For the Sides:
- 1½ lbs baby red potatoes
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh dill
- Green beans (or haricots verts)
- Garlic, shallot, lemon
- Slivered almonds
- More butter!
How Long to Cook Cornish Hens at 350 Recipe?
Let’s answer the big question right away: how long to cook Cornish hens at 350?
Generally, for a Cornish hen weighing 1.25 to 1.5 pounds, you’ll want to cook it at 350°F for about 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
That’s the safe zone for poultry—and the meat should be juicy and tender. If your hens are on the smaller side (closer to 1 lb), aim for 50 to 60 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Hens
Thaw your Cornish hens completely in the fridge if they were frozen. Then, pat them dry—inside and out—with paper towels. This step helps the skin get golden and crispy.
2. Make the Herb Rub
Mix garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Give it a taste to check the salt level.
3. Rub the Hens
Rub the mixture all over the hens—including inside the cavity. Get every nook and cranny.
4. Truss the Hens (Optional)
Tuck the wings under and tie the legs together using butcher’s twine. It keeps everything neat and helps the hens cook evenly.
5. Roast
Place the hens on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the oven at 425°F for 20 minutes to crisp the skin, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting for another 40 to 55 minutes, depending on size.
So overall, how to cook Cornish hens at 350 recipe? About 60–75 minutes total (with a high-heat start).
Easy Sides to Serve with Cornish Hens
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Cut baby red potatoes in half.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes, cut side down, until golden.
- Toss with butter and fresh dill.
Green Beans Almondine
- Blanch green beans in salty water for 3 minutes.
- Shock in ice water, drain well.
- Sauté sliced almonds in butter until golden.
- Add shallots, garlic, and more butter.
- Add green beans, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Done!
Cooking Tips
- Always use a thermometer! The best way to ensure your Cornish hens are perfectly cooked.
- Let them rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside.
- Cooking multiple hens? Use a bigger roasting pan and leave space between them.
Serving Ideas
You can serve one whole hen per person, or slice it down the middle to plate half per guest. Pair with a starch and a veggie, garnish with herbs, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy plate at home.
Why This Recipe Works
If you’ve been wondering how long to cook Cornish hens at 350 recipe, this method gets you tender, golden-skinned birds every time. The herb rub adds layers of flavor, and the high-heat blast at the beginning makes that skin irresistible.
This recipe is simple, approachable, and ideal whether you’re solo, serving a couple of friends, or having a low-key holiday.
