Pioneer Woman Cornish Hens are a delicious and easy way to get a gourmet meal on the table with minimal effort. These little birds cook up quickly and evenly, and their small size means there’s less waste if you’re cooking for two or four people. Serve them with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
If you’re looking for a delicious, yet easy to prepare holiday meal, look no further than Pioneer Woman’s Cornish Hens! This dish only requires a few simple ingredients and can be on the table in just over an hour. Plus, the leftovers make great sandwiches or can be frozen for future meals.
How to make Delicious Cornish Hens
Should You Cover Cornish Hens Baking?
If you’re baking a Cornish hen, you don’t need to cover it. The skin will help keep the moisture in, and the meat will cook evenly without drying out. However, if you’re worried about the skin getting too dark, you can loosely cover the pan with foil.
How Do You Keep Cornish Hens from Drying Out?
There are a few things you can do to keep your Cornish game hens from drying out. First, make sure to not overcook them. Cook them until they are just about cooked through and then let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into them.
This will help the juices redistribute and keep the hens moist. Second, baste the hens while they are cooking. This will help to keep the outside of the hen from getting too dry and also add some flavor.
Finally, serve the hens with a sauce or gravy. This will add moisture and flavor to the dish and help to keep the hens from drying out.
What Temperature Should I Bake Cornish Hens?
If you’re planning on serving Cornish hens at your next dinner party, you might be wondering what temperature to bake them at. While the perfect temperature will vary depending on your preferences, we recommend baking Cornish hens at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that the meat is cooked through while still remaining juicy and flavorful.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the birds as they cook, as ovens can vary and you don’t want to overcook your hen!
What is So Special About Cornish Hens?
Cornish hens are a popular poultry dish, typically served roasted. They are small birds, usually weighing less than two pounds, and are native to Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The birds get their name from the region where they originated, and they are also sometimes referred to as Cornish game hens.
While Cornish hens can be difficult to find outside of the UK, they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique flavor and size. When cooked properly, these birds are extremely tender and juicy, making them a delicious and special treat for any occasion.

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Cornish Hen Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (2 to 3 pound) Cornish game hen Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.Place the Cornish game hen in a roasting pan. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon zest, thyme, and garlic.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the outside of the bird.
- Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the skin is golden brown and crisp and the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen
Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, is known for her simple but elegant dishes. One of her signature dishes is the Cornish hen. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner party or a more formal affair.
The first step to making this dish is to truss the hens. Trussing means to tie them up so that they cook evenly and don’t dry out. Ina recommends using kitchen twine for this.
Next, you’ll rub the hens with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Now it’s time to roast the hens. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and roast the hens for 30-40 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Once they’re done, let them rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. The Cornish hen is a delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to impress your guests!
Southern Cornish Hen Recipe
Ingredients:1 (3-4 lb) southern cornish game hen1 lemon, quartered
1 head garlic, halved crosswise2 sprigs fresh thymeFor the marinade:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
Conclusion
In this blog post, the Pioneer Woman gives a step-by-step guide on how to cook Cornish hens. She starts by explaining what they are and why they make a great meal. She then goes through the process of thawing, seasoning, and cooking the hens.
The Pioneer Woman provides helpful tips along the way, such as how to truss the hens so they cook evenly. In the end, she gives a delicious recipe for a honey glaze that can be used on the Cornish hens.

I’m Asma Sheikh, a home cook and recipe developer with a passion for all things food. On my blog (The Kitchen Advisor), you’ll find everything from healthy weeknight dinners to decadent desserts, and everything in between. So whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you to get cooking!