Cornish Game Hens

Elevate your dinner table with these succulent and perfectly roasted Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping entrée infused with rich, herbaceous flavors. This recipe features crispy golden skin and juicy, tender meat seasoned with a luxurious blend of butter, garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. The addition of fragrant lemon tucked inside the cavity enhances the flavor, while a bed of roasted vegetables and a splash of chicken broth create a savory base brimming with depth. With just 20 minutes of prep and minimal hands-on cooking time, this elegant dish is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Serve these individually portioned hens alongside the caramelized vegetables and pan drippings for a meal bursting with gourmet charm and rustic appeal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Cornish game hens
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 piece Lemon
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth
• 2 cups Vegetables for roasting (carrots, onions, and potatoes, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity if present.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Zest the lemon and add the zest to the herb butter mixture. Mix well.

Step 4

Carefully loosen the skin of each hen by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat, being cautious not to tear the skin.

Step 5

Spread the herb butter evenly under the skin of each hen, focusing on the breast and thighs. Rub any remaining butter on the outer skin.

Step 6

Cut the lemon in half and place a half inside the cavity of each hen.

Step 7

Brush the hens with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 8

If using vegetables for roasting, prepare them by cutting them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them at the bottom of a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 9

Place the hens on a rack in the roasting pan, breast-side up, over the vegetables (if using).

Step 10

Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist and create a flavorful base for the drippings.

Step 11

Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the breast or thigh.

Step 12

If the skin is not golden and crispy, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.

Step 13

Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Step 14

Serve the hens whole or halved with the roasted vegetables and any pan juices spooned over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1742.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2893.8

Total Fat 172.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 924mg	0%
Sodium 3508.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 17.6g
Protein 239.7g	0%

Vitamin D 100IU	0%
Calcium 314.7mg	0%
Iron 16.2mg	0%
Potassium 3750.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.9%

Protein: 33.8%

Carbs: 11.2%