Preheat the oven to 400º F. Combine dry seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Rub each hen with olive oil, then sprinkle with the seasoning mix. Season or salt the insides as well. See note below for additional seasoning options.
Place the hens on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet or pan, then place in the oven. If baking with vegetables, see the notes section below.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or just until the centers reach 165º. Then skin should be browned and crisp as well.
Remove from the oven and let sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cornish hens are usually frozen. Be sure to thaw them in the fridge about 3 days before roasting.Seasonings you can try:
Dried Italian seasoning
Lemon pepper
Paprika (regular or smoked)
Garlic salt
Greek seasoning
Poultry seasoning mix
Fresh chopped herbs (best as part of an olive oil mix and rubbed onto the meat)
If baking with vegetables:
Heartier vegetables such as potatoes and carrots can be seasoned and added at the beginning
For softer vegetables that bake faster such as asparagus and broccoli, season and add to the pan before the last 12 minutes of baking.