Roast Cornish hens at 350°F until a food thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost thigh; they are poultry, so that USDA minimum is the same one used for turkey. A typical 1- to 2-pound hen often takes about 50 to 70 minutes, but the thermometer, not the clock, decides doneness. Plan one hen per person, or one hen for two if you are serving a lot of sides. For household sizing, see how much turkey you need per person. Menu context is in the Thanksgiving mains, diets and leftovers guide and the Thanksgiving guide.
Season and roast the hens
Thaw the hens in the refrigerator if they are frozen, and pat them dry. Do not rinse poultry. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and roast them breast-side up on a rimmed sheet pan or in a small roasting pan, with a little space between each bird so the skin can brown. A 350°F oven is a reliable setting for these small birds; keep the oven no lower than 325°F. Tie the legs if you want a tidier shape, but it is optional.
Check temperature and serve
Start checking a little before the one-hour mark. Insert the thermometer into the thickest breast and the innermost thigh, without touching bone. When both spots are at 165°F, rest the hens about 10 minutes, then serve each person a whole bird, or split the hens down the breastbone for a slightly smaller portion. If one hen is behind the others, leave it in a few more minutes rather than overcooking the rest.
When hens make more sense than a turkey
Cornish hens are useful for a small table, a tight oven, or a mixed meal where only a few people want poultry. They cook faster than a whole turkey and look finished on the plate without a long carving session. They do not give you the same leftover volume as a large bird, so buy an extra hen if you want sandwiches later. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use them within 3 to 4 days, reheating leftover meat to 165°F. See {LEFTOVERS} for storage times.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should Cornish hens be cooked to?
165°F in the thickest breast and the innermost thigh, the same USDA safe minimum as turkey and other poultry.
How long do Cornish hens take to roast?
Often 50 to 70 minutes at 350°F for a typical small hen, but ovens and bird sizes vary. Start checking early and cook to 165°F.
How many Cornish hens do I need?
Plan one hen per person for a generous plate, or one hen for two people if you have plenty of sides and want less leftover meat.
Helpful kitchen tools
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — An instant-read thermometer confirms each hen has reached 165°F in the breast and thigh.
- Cuisinart Stainless 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack and Deluxe Basting Set — A roasting pan or a roomy pan keeps several hens from crowding.
- OXO Good Grips Oven Thermometer — An oven thermometer checks that a 350°F setting is accurate before the hens go in.
- Everyday White 16-Inch Porcelain Turkey Platter — A platter is useful if you roast several hens and want to bring them to the table at once.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.