Cornish Game Hens with Herbs
Elevate your dinner table with these tender and flavorful Cornish Game Hens with Herbs, a show-stopping main dish perfect for special occasions or an elegant weeknight meal. Infused with bright lemon, aromatic rosemary, thyme, and parsley, these petite birds are roasted to golden perfection, with juicy meat and crispy, herb-rubbed skin. A blend of chicken broth, garlic, and optional white wine creates a luscious pan juice, perfect for drizzling over the hens before serving. With minimal prep time and an impressive presentation, this recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to delight. Whether entertaining guests or treating your family, these Cornish game hens deliver big flavor in an easy-to-follow recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Cornish game hens
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 pieces Lemon
- 4 sprigs Fresh rosemary
- 8 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
- 8 pieces Garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 0.5 cup White wine (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Cut each lemon in half. Insert half a lemon, one clove of garlic, one sprig of rosemary, and two sprigs of thyme into the cavity of each hen.
Rub the hens all over with olive oil, ensuring an even coating.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the hens, gently rubbing it into the skin.
Place the hens breast-side up in a large roasting pan. Surround the hens with the remaining garlic cloves, and if desired, add the optional white wine to the pan.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the hens moist during cooking.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown.
Baste the hens with the pan juices every 20 minutes to enhance flavor and keep them juicy.
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender result.
Serve the hens whole or halved, accompanied by your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Spoon pan juices over the top before serving for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4707 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 276.6 g | 355% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.8 g | 344% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1600 mg | 533% | |
| Sodium | 6697 mg | 291% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.4 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 467.0 g | 934% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 456 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 28.5 mg | 158% | |
| Potassium | 5075 mg | 108% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
