Cornish Game Hens with Sage and Garlic
Elevate your next dinner gathering with these succulent Cornish Game Hens with Sage and Garlic, a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. This recipe features tender, golden roasted hens infused with the earthy aromas of fresh sage, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic. A brush of melted butter enhances the skin's crispness, while chicken broth keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. With minimal prep time and a short roast, these individually portioned birds make for an elegant yet approachable meal, ideal for weeknights or special occasions. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish promises to impress both in flavor and presentation. Perfect for lovers of roasted poultry, sage-forward dishes, or anyone seeking an unforgettable centerpiece for their table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 8 leaves Fresh sage leaves
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 whole Lemon
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the birds, including inside the cavity.
Cut the lemon into quarters. Stuff each cavity with 2 sage leaves, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 lemon wedge.
Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe dish. Brush the melted butter generously over the hens for extra flavor and crisp skin.
Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting pan or in a cast-iron skillet. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist while roasting.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
Baste the hens with the juices from the pan halfway through cooking for added moisture and flavor.
Once fully cooked, remove the hens from the oven and cover them with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2659 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 176.7 g | 227% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.6 g | 253% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 862 mg | 287% | |
| Sodium | 3630 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.8 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 236.2 g | 472% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 269 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 2683 mg | 57% | |
*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.
