Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Hens

5 from 9 votes

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 10

resting time10

Course: Dinner Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 536kcal

Cost: $14

Preheat youroven to 400 degrees F. Remove any giblets from the interior of the hens and drain off any juice that may have collected inside or around the packaging. Pat the hens dry with paper towels, then season generously inside and out with salt & pepper and set aside.
In the bottom of your baking dish, arrange the lemon slices in an even layer (it’s okay to overlap them if needed). Arrange the rosemary and thyme by scattering them around and over the lemon slices. Peel and discard the garlic skins and smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife. Place the smashed garlic scattered over the lemon slices and herbs
Arrange the seasoned Cornish hens over the lemons, herbs, and garlic, breasts facing upward. Drizzle the olive oil over the hens, and gently massage it evenly over the skin with clean hands or a basting brush.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 60-70 minutes, basting about halfway through with the pan juices. After about an hour of roasting, insert a meat thermometer into the breast of the hens. When the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F and the juices run clear, remove the hens from the oven.
Tent the hens loosely with aluminum foil and allow the hens to rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices can meld, then serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!