Roasted Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish hens are a perfect choice when you want a flavorful, elegant meal without much effort. This recipe combines fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon to create a savory yet light dish that’s ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners. Plus, it's naturally low in sodium, making it a great option for those managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) while still enjoying delicious food.

With over 25 years of experience developing recipes tailored to special dietary needs, I prioritize providing evidence-based content to ensure healthy and delicious meals. Having created successful menus for various diets, I specialize in crafting recipes for those managing CKD. My personal experience supporting my father through his Stage 3 CKD journey has deepened my understanding of how dietary adjustments can help maintain kidney health.

Close Up Of Roasted Cornish Hens

This oven roasted Cornish hens recipe is naturally low in sodium, making it suitable for individuals managing chronic kidney disease. The fresh herbs and lemon provide flavor without relying on salt, which helps support kidney health by keeping sodium levels in check. Additionally, the recipe is rich in high-quality protein while avoiding ingredients like phosphorus-heavy additives, allowing for a balanced and kidney-friendly meal.

You might like our other kidney friendly chicken recipes, and eating a robust salad, like our nectarine salad with your Cornish game hen is perfect. Try our ranch flavored chicken foil packets next time!

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Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful roasted Cornish hens dish. By combining herbs, garlic, and lemon, you can enjoy a meal that's both aromatic and kidney-friendly.

Close Up Of Roasted Cornish Hens ingredients
  • Cornish hens – These small, tender birds are perfect for roasting and deliver individual servings with crispy skin and juicy meat.
  • Minced garlic – Adds a bold, savory flavor that enhances the roasted hens.
  • Lemon zest and juice – The zest gives a bright, citrusy aroma while the juice adds acidity to balance the richness of the hens.
  • Fresh rosemary – This herb infuses the hens with a woodsy, aromatic flavor that pairs well with poultry.
  • Fresh thyme – Adds a subtle earthy note to complement the rosemary and lemon.
  • Smoked paprika – Brings a warm, smoky flavor to the hens, deepening the overall taste.
  • Olive oil – Helps to coat the hens and ensures a crispy skin while keeping the meat moist.
  • Ground pepper – Adds a bit of heat and enhances the other spices.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

The best Cornish game hen recipe is easy and requires minimal prep time. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat with every bite.

Step 1 of Roasted Cornish Hens
  1. Preheat oven to 350' F
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with a paper towel both on the outside and inside the cavity. Set aside.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the lemon, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper and oil.
Step 2 Roasted Cornish Hens

4. Evenly coat both hens on all sides using the oil and herb mixture. You can also coat the inside of the hen if you have extra mixture.

Step 3 Roasted Cornish Hens

5. Transfer them to a roasting pan with a rack, and bake in the oven in the middle rack for 50-60 minutes.

Step 4 Roasted Cornish Hens

6. Remove from oven and let them rest about 5 minutes. Cut the hens in half (each side should have a wing and a drum stick).

Hint: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh for safe consumption.

Variations for Game Hens

This roasted Cornish hens recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit different flavor preferences while remaining kidney-friendly. Below are a few simple adjustments you can make to keep the dish low in sodium and rich in flavor:

  • Herb-infused olive oil – Infuse olive oil with herbs like sage or tarragon for a deeper, more complex flavor without adding extra salt.
  • Low-sodium herb blend – Swap the rosemary and thyme for a low-sodium herb mix like basil and oregano for a fresh, fragrant variation.
  • Citrus variation – Use orange or lime zest and juice instead of lemon to add a sweeter or tangier twist.
  • Garlic-rosemary butter – Rub unsalted garlic-rosemary butter under the skin for extra moisture and richness.
  • Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for those who enjoy a little heat, while keeping the sodium content in check.

Storage

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy skin and tender meat.
  2. Freezing: You can freeze the hens by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the hens on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Top tip

Rub the seasoning under the skin of the hens for an extra boost of flavor. Gently separate the skin from the meat with your fingers and apply the herb mixture underneath.

FAQs for Roasted Cornish Hens

How do I know when the Cornish hens are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.

What can I serve with roasted Cornish hens?

Pair these hens with our Thanksgiving spread of dairy free green bean casserole, cranberry apple walnut stuffing and some Vegan apple cake for a balanced, kidney-friendly meal.

Is this recipe suitable for people without CKD?

Absolutely! This recipe is flavorful and nutritious for everyone, and the low-sodium adjustments benefit all health-conscious eaters.

Other Kidney Friendly Chicken Dishes

Looking for other recipes like this Cornish Game hen? Try these:

Other Kidney Friendly Appetizers

These are my favorite dishes to serve with the Game Hen recipe:

If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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Oven Roasted Cornish Hens

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These roasted Cornish hens are packed with fresh herb flavors and a citrusy kick. Easy to make and low in sodium, they're perfect for CKD-friendly meals.

  • Author: Mathea Ford, MBA, RDN, LD
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

2 cornish hens (thaw before cooking) (~1 ½ pounds each raw weight)
2 tablespoon minced garlic
1 lemon, 1 tablespoon zest and juice from lemon
2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350' F
2. Pat the cornish hens dry with a paper towel both on the outside and inside the cavity. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix together the lemon, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper and oil.
4. Evenly coat both hens on all sides using the oil and herb mixture. You can also coat the inside of the hen if you have extra mixture.
5. Transfer them to a roasting pan with a rack, and bake in the oven in the middle rack for 50-60 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let them rest about 5 minutes. Cut the hens in half (each side should have a wing and a drum stick).

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