Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Cornish Hen Dinner Recipe

Name: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Cornish Hen Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: cooking spray; 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds; 2 carrots, cut into large chunks; 1 onion, cut into large slices; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 2 (2 pound) Cornish game hens; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 wedge lemon; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 tablespoon all purpose flour, or more as needed; 2 tablespoons water, or more as needed

Servings: persons

cooking spray
3 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 carrots, cut into large chunks
1 onion, cut into large slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 (2 pound) Cornish game hens
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 wedge lemon
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 tablespoon all purpose flour, or more as needed
2 tablespoons water, or more as needed

1
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray.
2
Arrange potatoes, carrots, and onion on the sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning on top.
3
Mix butter and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning together until well blended.
4
Rinse hens well, inside and out, under cool running water. Remove bag from inside the cavity. Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper. Make a pocket between the skin and the meat with your fingers, being careful not to rip the skin.
5
Divide butter mixture between the hens and place it between the breast meat and skin. Place hens on top of the potato and onion mixture. Season the outsides with salt, pepper, and remaining Italian seasoning. Place lemon inside the cavity of the hen. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the sheet pan.
6
Roast in the preheated oven until hens are nicely browned, 35 to 45 minutes. Tent the hens with foil during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overbrowning, if needed. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 10 minutes before slicing.
7
Meanwhile, drain about 1/2 cup of the pan drippings from beneath the vegetables into a small saucepan to start the gravy. Bring to a boil. Mix flour and cold water together and add to the pan drippings, whisking until desired consistency is reached. Serve gravy alongside Cornish hens.

479

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: cooking spray, 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds, 2 carrots, cut into large chunks, 1 onion, cut into large slices, and more.

Yes, Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Cornish Hen Dinner falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Cornish Hen Dinner

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions