Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens
Experience the perfect balance of elegance and rustic charm with these Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. These juicy, tender hens are marinated in a fragrant blend of olive oil, garlic, and freshly ground black pepper, then stuffed with zesty lemon halves and fresh rosemary sprigs for a burst of aromatic flavor. A touch of butter tucked beneath the skin ensures moist, golden-brown perfection, while a splash of chicken broth keeps the meat succulent during roasting. Ideal for dinner parties, holiday feasts, or an elevated weeknight meal, this recipe is a gourmet delight that can be served whole or halved, alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Perfectly roasted in just an hour, these Cornish game hens deliver impressive flavor with minimal effort, making them a must-try for your next special occasion.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 4 sprigs Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 Lemon, halved
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
- 1 cup Chicken broth
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity if present.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Rub the olive oil mixture generously over the hens, making sure to coat the skin evenly.
Slice the lemon in half and place one half inside each hen along with 1-2 rosemary sprigs.
Gently loosen the skin over the breast of each hen and stuff 1 tablespoon of softened butter beneath the skin for added flavor and moisture.
Place the hens in a roasting pan, leaving a small space between them to ensure even cooking.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to help keep the hens moist during roasting.
Sprinkle any remaining rosemary leaves over the hens.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with the pan juices every 15 minutes.
Once fully cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens whole or halved, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2645 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 175.3 g | 225% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.1 g | 256% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 862 mg | 287% | |
| Sodium | 6162 mg | 268% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.6 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 235.1 g | 470% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 226 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 2570 mg | 55% | |
*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.
