Smothered Cornish Game Hens
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Smothered Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping dish that pairs succulent roasted hens with a rich, savory gravy. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, these game hens are nestled in a flavorful blend of caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, then slow-roasted alongside tender carrots and celery for a harmonious blend of flavors. The silky gravy, thickened with a touch of flour and chicken broth, envelopes the hens and vegetables in pure decadence. Garnished with fresh parsley, this oven-to-table masterpiece is ideal for Sunday dinners or special occasions. With only 20 minutes of prep and a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Perfect keywords: Smothered Cornish Game Hens, roasted game hens, comfort food, rich gravy, one-pot meal, special occasion dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Cornish game hens
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 large Yellow onion, finely sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks Celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels. Season the hens inside and out with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the hens on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the hens from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, carrots, and celery.
Return the seared Cornish game hens to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy and vegetables.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the hens reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the hens rest for 10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve the smothered hens with the gravy and roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1207 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.1 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.0 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 415 mg | 138% | |
| Sodium | 1779 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 119.1 g | 238% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 134 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1540 mg | 33% | |
*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.
