Pistachio Crusted Cornish Game Hens
Elevate your dinner table with these Pistachio Crusted Cornish Game Hens, an impressive yet surprisingly simple dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Tender, juicy hens are enrobed in a golden crust of finely crushed pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of garlic, creating a nutty, savory topping that crisps to perfection in the oven. A drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil brightens the dish, while chicken broth in the roasting pan keeps the meat moist and succulent as it cooks. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a stunning presentation, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or an upscale dinner at home. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a gourmet meal that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 1 cup Shelled pistachios
- 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 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. Set aside.
In a food processor, combine pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely crushed and well combined.
Drizzle the melted butter into the pistachio mixture and pulse a couple of times to incorporate. The mixture should resemble a crumbly paste.
Rub the olive oil and lemon juice over the surface of each Cornish game hen, coating them evenly.
Press the pistachio mixture firmly onto the hens, covering as much of the skin as possible to form an even crust.
Place the hens in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist as it cooks.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). If the crust begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the hens with aluminum foil.
Let the cooked hens rest for 5-10 minutes before carving or serving.
Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3398 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 231.0 g | 296% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.2 g | 331% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 913 mg | 304% | |
| Sodium | 3856 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.2 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 267.3 g | 535% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 552 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 3599 mg | 77% | |
*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.
