Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens

Experience the perfect balance of elegance and rustic charm with these Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. These juicy, tender hens are marinated in a fragrant blend of olive oil, garlic, and freshly ground black pepper, then stuffed with zesty lemon halves and fresh rosemary sprigs for a burst of aromatic flavor. A touch of butter tucked beneath the skin ensures moist, golden-brown perfection, while a splash of chicken broth keeps the meat succulent during roasting. Ideal for dinner parties, holiday feasts, or an elevated weeknight meal, this recipe is a gourmet delight that can be served whole or halved, alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Perfectly roasted in just an hour, these Cornish game hens deliver impressive flavor with minimal effort, making them a must-try for your next special occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole Cornish game hens
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 4 sprigs Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1 Lemon, halved
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
• 1 cup Chicken broth

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity if present.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

Step 4

Rub the olive oil mixture generously over the hens, making sure to coat the skin evenly.

Step 5

Slice the lemon in half and place one half inside each hen along with 1-2 rosemary sprigs.

Step 6

Gently loosen the skin over the breast of each hen and stuff 1 tablespoon of softened butter beneath the skin for added flavor and moisture.

Step 7

Place the hens in a roasting pan, leaving a small space between them to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to help keep the hens moist during roasting.

Step 9

Sprinkle any remaining rosemary leaves over the hens.

Step 10

Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with the pan juices every 15 minutes.

Step 11

Once fully cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 12

Serve the Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens whole or halved, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1398.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2644.7

Total Fat 175.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 862mg	0%
Sodium 6161.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 12.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g	0%
Total Sugars 2.0g
Protein 235.1g	0%

Vitamin D 100IU	0%
Calcium 226.1mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 2570.0mg	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: 61.4%

Protein: 36.6%

Carbs: 2.0%