Elevate your dinner table with "Dianne's Cornish Game Hens," a show-stopping dish that's as elegant as it is satisfying. Perfectly roasted to golden-brown perfection, these whole Cornish game hens are infused with fragrant garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme, creating a symphony of flavors. Drizzled with a sweet and tangy orange-honey glaze and basted to juicy tenderness, the hens boast a delightful balance of citrus and savory notes. With minimal prep time and a foolproof cooking method, this recipe is ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Pair these succulent game hens with your favorite side dishes for a restaurant-worthy dining experience at home. A definite must-try for fans of flavorful, herb-infused roasted poultry!
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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.
Season the inside of each hen with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place 2 garlic cloves, 1 sprig of rosemary, 1 sprig of thyme, and a quarter of the lemon inside each cavity.
Rub the outside of each hen with olive oil, ensuring the skins are coated evenly. Sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper over the outside of the hens.
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, and the juice from the remaining lemon halves.
In a roasting pan or baking dish, place the hens breast-side up. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the hens moist while cooking.
Brush the orange juice and honey mixture generously over the hens, reserving some for basting later.
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with the remaining orange glaze every 15-20 minutes for extra flavor.
If the skin is not evenly browned by the end of the cooking time, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5 minutes.
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before carving or serving. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Serving size | (1426.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2629.0 |
Total Fat 152.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 36.6g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g | |
Cholesterol 800mg | 0% |
Sodium 5707.7mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 61.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 3.9g | 0% |
Total Sugars 46.4g | |
Protein 235.1g | 0% |
Vitamin D 100IU | 0% |
Calcium 252.5mg | 0% |
Iron 15.0mg | 0% |
Potassium 2758.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories