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Truffle Herb Butter Cornish Hens

Savory Truffle Herb Butter Cornish Hens for Your Holiday Feast

Elevate your holiday gathering with Truffle Herb Butter Cornish Hens, a succulent and flavorful centerpiece for your dinner table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 hens Cornish Hens About 1-½ lbs each, ideal for serving 1-2 people.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted for a rich flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Truffle Oil Adds luxury and flavor; can substitute with olive oil if needed.
  • 1 piece Lemon Cut into quarters to enhance the hens' flavor.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium Yellow Onions Quartered.
  • 3 pieces Carrots Peeled and chopped.
  • 1 lb Baby Gold Yukon Potatoes Halved for even cooking.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Used for seasoning vegetables.
For the Herb Mixture
  • 1 bunch Rosemary Plus 1 tbsp minced.
  • 10 sprigs Thyme For a fresh, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Tarragon Minced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Minced.
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances flavors.
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder Enhances flavors.
  • Cracked Black Pepper Adjust to your personal preference.
For Cooking
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Stock Provides moisture during cooking.
  • 1/2 cup White Wine Adds richness.

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Kitchen twine

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat dry each Cornish hen with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Tuck the wings behind each hen and tie the drumsticks together with kitchen twine.
  3. In a large roasting pan, place the quartered yellow onions, chopped carrots, and halved baby Yukon potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  4. Stuff each hen with the lemon wedges.
  5. Combine softened unsalted butter, truffle oil, minced garlic, minced tarragon, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper in a bowl and mix well.
  6. Rub the herb butter mixture all over each Cornish hen.
  7. Pour chicken stock and white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan.
  8. Roast the Cornish hens for 55–65 minutes, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the hens rest for 10–20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap cooked hens in airtight freezer bags for up to 3 months. Ensure hens are cooled down to room temperature before sealing them up to prevent condensation.

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