Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe in White Wine Sauce : Cooking With Bliss

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Serve these perfectly Roasted Cornish Hens in a savory white wine mushroom sauce at your next casual weeknight dinner or holiday gathering. They're simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be cooked in under an hour.

You know those dishes that just feel like home? For me, it’s these roasted Cornish hens. My mom made this dish on Sundays, and the smell of it roasting in the oven just permeated throughout the house. When she paired it with this creamy white wine mushroom sauce dinnertime felt a little fancy but still so cozy and comforting.

It was her way of wrapping up the weekend with something special, and now I love making it, too. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, no matter how busy life gets.

roasted cornish hens in white wine sauce

You'll Love This Easy Cornish Hen Recipe Because

Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, taste the same as chicken but are smaller in size, typically weighing just 1 to 2 pounds. Their petite size means they cook faster than a regular whole chicken, making them a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

You’ll love this easy one-skillet dish because it’s simple and satisfying. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, this dish is flavorful without feeling heavy. The white wine mushroom sauce adds a touch of elegance while keeping things cozy and approachable, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s everything you want for a comforting dinner, but light enough to enjoy any time.

Ingredient Notes

I’ve included a few notes and tips to make this Cornish hen recipe perfectly.

Thawing Cornish Hens: Cornish hens are typically frozen when you purchase them from the grocery store. When you get home, either store them in the freezer if you’re not cooking them right away or place them in the fridge to thaw if you plan to cook them within the next couple of days.
For the wine, there’s no need to splurge on an expensive bottle, but I recommend choosing a decent one that you’d enjoy drinking if you do drink wine.
I used Pinot, my go-to for cooking poultry, as it adds a depth of flavor that makes this recipe even more delicious but Sauvignon Blanc is great too.
The hens are lightly coated in all-purpose flour before searing this helps create a golden crispy coating that also helps to thicken the sauce.
Mini bella mushrooms are seared to bring out their rich, earthy flavor, and sweet onions are sautéed for a subtle sweetness although shallots work great too.

How to Roast Cornish Hens

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this dish.

Start by splitting each hen in half, rinsing them, and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides, then lightly coat with all-purpose flour.
In a cast-iron skillet, heat grapeseed oil over medium-high heat and sear the hen halves, skin-side down, until they’re crispy and golden brown. Remove the hens from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate.
If needed, add a bit more oil to the same skillet, then add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sear until they’re caramelized and fragrant.
Next, deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Add a pinch of kosher salt, bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat.

Step by steps photos on how to make cornish hen steps 1-4

Return the hens to the skillet and transfer it to the oven to roast. As they cook, the white wine sauce will begin to thicken.
Once the hens are done, baste them with the sauce and spoon the caramelized mushrooms and onions over each hen for a finishing touch.

Step by steps photos on how to make cornish hen steps 5-7

Storing and Reheating

Store

Roasted Cornish hens make great leftovers. Store them in an airtight container and place in the fridge along with the sauce for up to 3 days.

Reheat

To reheat, remove the Cornish hens and gravy from the fridge. Place the hens in a casserole dish or baking pan and drizzle with the gravy. Transfer to a preheated 375°F oven and bake until heated through.

FAQs

What to serve with Cornish hens?

There are an infinite number of side dishes you can serve. Here are some of my favorites: Herb Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe, Sauteed Green Beans, Crispy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes, Crispy Oven Roasted Broccolini,Rice Dressing, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, Fresh Spring Mix Salad, Roasted Beet Salad with Grilled Peaches

Do you cover Cornish hens when baking?

It is not necessary to cover Cornish hens when baking. They are similar to baking chicken.

What temperature to cook Cornish hen?

It really depends on the recipe, however, for this recipe, 375 degrees is the perfect temperature since the hens are being roasted in wine. Cooking them at a higher temperature may cause the wine sauce to cook down too much and too fast.

How do you know when a Cornish hen is done?

The best way to check is to invest in an instant read meat thermometer. You simply insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. When it registers to 165 degree F. It's done

Top Tips

Make sure the hens are completely dry before seasoning and searing to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin.
To prevent overcooking, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly juicy and tender meat.
Cutting the hens in half or spatchcocking them will reduce cooking time and help them cook evenly.
Choose a wine you enjoy drinking to ensure a flavorful sauce. Pinot is an excellent option for poultry dishes. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but selecting a decent-quality wine will make all the difference.
Starting with a hot skillet and a preheated oven ensures better searing and roasting.
Scrape up the browned bits from the skillet when deglazing with wine—this is where the flavor lives.
If you rinse the mushrooms, be sure to pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the searing process.
Finish the dish with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary for a bright and aromatic touch.