Roasted Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens
Elevate your dinner table with this elegant recipe for Roasted Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens, a dish that delivers both rustic charm and gourmet flavor. These tender, golden-brown hens are infused with a fragrant blend of minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and zesty lemon, tucked under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor. Basted with pan drippings and roasted to juicy perfection, they boast a beautifully crispy skin that seals in their succulent, herbaceous essence. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or an intimate holiday gathering, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping main course that’s both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. Pair with roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes for a truly unforgettable meal. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re simply craving something extraordinary, these Cornish game hens are a versatile and flavorful centerpiece for any table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Cornish game hens
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves
- 4 sprigs Fresh rosemary
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 piece Lemon
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
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 cavities if present.
Mince 3 garlic cloves and mix them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to form a paste.
Gently loosen the skin of the hens by sliding your fingers under it. Rub the garlic paste under the skin and over the entire surface of each hen.
Cut the lemon into quarters. Place 2 lemon wedges and 1 whole garlic clove inside the cavity of each hen, along with 1 sprig of rosemary.
Rub the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the hens and sprinkle them with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon salt.
Tie the legs of each hen together using kitchen twine to help them cook evenly.
Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or ovenproof skillet. Dot the hens with the unsalted butter.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the hens moist during roasting.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Every 15-20 minutes, baste the hens with the drippings from the pan to keep the meat tender and lock in flavor.
Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1320 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.9 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.6 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 431 mg | 144% | |
| Sodium | 1951 mg | 85% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 117.2 g | 234% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 131 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1326 mg | 28% | |
*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.
