Pistachio Crusted Cornish Game Hens

Elevate your dinner table with these Pistachio Crusted Cornish Game Hens, an impressive yet surprisingly simple dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Tender, juicy hens are enrobed in a golden crust of finely crushed pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of garlic, creating a nutty, savory topping that crisps to perfection in the oven. A drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil brightens the dish, while chicken broth in the roasting pan keeps the meat moist and succulent as it cooks. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a stunning presentation, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or an upscale dinner at home. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a gourmet meal that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole Cornish game hens
• 1 cup Shelled pistachios
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.5 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. Set aside.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely crushed and well combined.

Step 4

Drizzle the melted butter into the pistachio mixture and pulse a couple of times to incorporate. The mixture should resemble a crumbly paste.

Step 5

Rub the olive oil and lemon juice over the surface of each Cornish game hen, coating them evenly.

Step 6

Press the pistachio mixture firmly onto the hens, covering as much of the skin as possible to form an even crust.

Step 7

Place the hens in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist as it cooks.

Step 8

Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). If the crust begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the hens with aluminum foil.

Step 9

Let the cooked hens rest for 5-10 minutes before carving or serving.

Step 10

Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1383.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3398.3

Total Fat 231.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 913mg	0%
Sodium 3856.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 11.3g
Protein 267.3g	0%

Vitamin D 100IU	0%
Calcium 551.9mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 3599.4mg	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: 61.7%

Protein: 31.7%

Carbs: 6.6%