Dressed Up Cornish Hens

Elevate your dinner table with these elegant and succulent Dressed Up Cornish Hens, a delightful centerpiece perfect for special occasions or an indulgent weeknight meal. Tender, golden Cornish hens are infused with the zesty brightness of lemon, the earthy aroma of rosemary and thyme, and the irresistible flavor of garlic butter, creating a dish that's both flavorful and visually stunning. Roasted to perfection with a golden crispy skin and basted with a savory blend of chicken broth and optional white wine, these hens stay juicy and full of flavor. Ready in just under 1.5 hours, this recipe balances simplicity with gourmet flair, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or treating yourself to something a bit more refined. Pair these herb-stuffed Cornish hens with your favorite roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad for a complete and memorable dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole Cornish hens
• 4 pieces Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 4 pieces Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 whole Lemon
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Dry white wine (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a roasting pan with a rack or a lined baking dish.

Step 2

Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and remove any giblets if included.

Step 3

Cut the lemon into quarters. Stuff each hen cavity with 2 lemon quarters, 1 rosemary sprig, 1 thyme sprig, and 1 garlic clove.

Step 4

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Mix in the olive oil, minced remaining garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 5

Brush the butter mixture generously over the hens, ensuring an even coat all over the skin.

Step 6

Tie the legs of each hen together with kitchen twine to help them cook evenly.

Step 7

Place the hens on the prepared roasting pan or dish, breast side up.

Step 8

Pour the chicken broth and optional white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent drying and add flavor.

Step 9

Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

Baste the hens with the pan juices every 20 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 11

Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve each guest half a hen alongside roasted vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1530.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2827.3

Total Fat 196.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 874mg	0%
Sodium 3635.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 17.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g	0%
Total Sugars 3.3g
Protein 226.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 259.0mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 2531.7mg	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: 64.5%

Protein: 33.0%

Carbs: 2.6%