Game Hens with Cardamom and Oregano
Elevate your dinner table with these succulent Game Hens with Cardamom and Oregano—a recipe that combines the aromatic warmth of ground cardamom with the earthy brightness of fresh oregano. These tender Cornish game hens are marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and spices, then roasted to golden perfection with a touch of chicken stock to keep them irresistibly moist. Whether you're planning an elegant dinner party or simply elevating a weeknight meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just over an hour, these perfectly seasoned hens pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad for a complete and stunningly flavorful feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons Fresh oregano leaves
- 4 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 zested and juiced Lemon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.75 cup Chicken stock
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Combine olive oil, ground cardamom, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a marinade.
Rub the marinade generously over the game hens, both inside the cavity and over the skin. Let them rest for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Place the game hens in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Ensure there's enough space between them for even cooking.
Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the hens moist while roasting.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh and the skin is golden brown.
Baste the hens with the pan drippings halfway through cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Serve with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2491 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 155.0 g | 199% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.5 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 816 mg | 272% | |
| Sodium | 3159 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.0 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 241.6 g | 483% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 218 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 2376 mg | 51% | |
*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.
