Roasted Cornish Game Hens Recipe Courtesy the Neelys

Elevate your dinner table with the Neelys' Roasted Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping recipe that's as flavorful as it is elegant. These succulent game hens are generously seasoned with a savory blend of garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme, then stuffed with tangy lemon halves to infuse every bite with bright, citrusy notes. Roasted to perfection atop a bed of caramelized carrots, red potatoes, and onions, and basted with pan juices, the result is an irresistible medley of golden-brown, crispy skin, tender meat, and perfectly roasted vegetables. With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour in the oven, this dish is ideal for both intimate dinner parties and weekend family meals. Packed with rustic charm and hearty flavors, this Cornish game hens recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole Cornish game hens
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Rosemary, fresh and chopped
• 1 tablespoon Thyme, fresh and chopped
• 1 whole Lemon, halved
• 4 whole Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 6 whole Red potatoes, quartered
• 1 whole Onion, cut into thick wedges
• 1 cup Chicken stock

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Rinse the Cornish game hens inside and out under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Season the hens generously with salt and black pepper, both inside the cavity and on the outside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.

Step 5

Rub the butter mixture over the entire surface of the hens, ensuring to get under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step 6

Stuff each hen cavity with half a lemon.

Step 7

Arrange the carrots, red potatoes, and onion wedges in a large roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Place the prepared Cornish game hens on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan, breast side up.

Step 9

Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the vegetables moist and to create a flavorful base for a potential gravy.

Step 10

Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).

Step 11

Halfway through cooking, baste the hens with the pan juices for additional flavor and to ensure golden, crispy skin.

Step 12

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

Step 13

Serve the hens alongside the roasted vegetables for a hearty and delicious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3069.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3691.5

Total Fat 180.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 883.3mg	0%
Sodium 5929.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 236.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.1g	0%
Total Sugars 31.7g
Protein 271.4g	0%

Vitamin D 100IU	0%
Calcium 441.5mg	0%
Iron 24.3mg	0%
Potassium 8516.3mg	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: 44.4%

Protein: 29.7%

Carbs: 25.9%