Elevate your dinner table with these succulent Herbed Cornish Hens, a perfect fusion of simplicity and elegance. Seasoned with fragrant fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley, these petite birds are infused with lemony brightness and garlic richness, creating a mouthwatering medley of flavors. Roasted to golden perfection and basted with savory chicken broth, the hens emerge with crispy, herb-crusted skin and tender, juicy meat thatβs utterly irresistible. Ideal for intimate gatherings or a gourmet weeknight meal, these roasted hens pair beautifully with vibrant seasonal veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. With only 20 minutes of prep time, this impressive dish is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to wow your guests.
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper to form an herb mixture.
Rub the herb mixture generously over the hens, ensuring you coat both the outside and under the skin for maximum flavor.
Cut the lemons in half. Squeeze the juice from one lemon over the hens, then place half a lemon inside the cavity of each hen.
Place the hens breast side up in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
Transfer the pan to the oven and roast the hens for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the largest part of the thigh reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Baste the hens every 20 minutes with the juices from the pan to enhance moistness and flavor.
Remove the pan from the oven, and let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve the herbed Cornish hens with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Calories |
4589 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 296.5 g | 380% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.7 g | 394% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1500 mg | 500% | |
| Sodium | 3147 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.6 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 446.1 g | 892% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 409 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 26.9 mg | 149% | |
| Potassium | 4519 mg | 96% | |
*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.