Cornish Game Hens

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like Cornish Game Hens to make a meal feel special. I remember the first time I prepared these little birds for a gathering with friends; the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. It was a chilly autumn evening, and the warmth of the oven combined with the savory scents made it feel like a cozy family reunion. Each hen, perfectly roasted, was bursting with flavor and served with bright, zesty lemon slices and fresh herbs that made the dish pop. As we gathered around the table, laughter and stories flowed as freely as the delightful flavors. There’s a certain magic in preparing Cornish Game Hens, a blend of tradition and the delight of creating something beautiful for those you love.

Essential Ingredients for Cornish Game Hens

Creating a fantastic dish often starts with the right ingredients. For Cornish Game Hens, each component plays a vital role in the final flavor profile. The hens themselves are the stars, but they shine brightest when complemented by fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic. This combination not only enhances the taste but also brings a beautiful presentation to the table.

• Cornish Game Hens: Approximately three hens, around 1.5 lbs each, are perfect for baking. These smaller birds are tender and juicy, making them ideal for special occasions.
• Lemon: Sliced for both flavor and presentation, lemon adds a bright, zesty note that complements the richness of the hens.
• Onion: Sliced onions provide a sweet base flavor as they roast, infusing the dish with aromatic goodness.
• Garlic: Whole garlic cloves enhance the dish with their mellow, sweet flavor once roasted.
• Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs add earthy, aromatic notes that elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used to rub on the hens, it helps achieve that golden, crispy skin.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A combination of spices that boosts the flavor profile of the dish.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth to the flavor, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Cook Cornish Game Hens

Cooking Cornish Game Hens is an enjoyable process that results in a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have beautifully roasted hens that will impress your family and friends.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This initial step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin! Make sure your oven is fully heated before placing the hens in.
2. Slice the lemon and onion. Arrange them in the bottom of a 13X9 baking dish. The lemon will infuse the hens with a bright flavor, while the onion will caramelize beautifully during roasting.
3. Add the garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the dish. Set it aside while you prepare the hens. This will allow the aromatics to start releasing their flavors into the dish.
4. Carefully remove the hens from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying them is essential for crisp skin.
5. Using kitchen twine, tie the legs of the hens together. This helps the hens cook evenly and retain moisture.
6. Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each hen. Be generous with the oil; it helps achieve a golden crust.
7. In a small bowl, combine the dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture liberally over each hen. This seasoning is key to flavorful meat.
8. Place the hens on top of the lemons and onions in the prepared dish. This setup will allow the hens to roast perfectly.
9. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F. If the skin starts to darken too much, cover with foil to prevent burning while allowing the hens to finish cooking.
10. Once cooked, allow the hens to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute. To serve, cut each hen in half. Each hen will serve approximately two people, making it a generous dish.

How to Switch It Up

While Cornish Game Hens are fantastic as they are, there are many ways to switch up the recipe to keep it exciting. Here are some fun ideas to consider:

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage or tarragon for a unique flavor twist.
• Spice it Up: Add some chili powder or paprika for a bit of heat.
• Stuffed Game Hens: Consider stuffing the hens with a mixture of rice, vegetables, or even fruits for additional flavor and texture.
• Glazes: Brush the hens with a honey or maple glaze during the last 15 minutes of roasting for a sweet finish.
• Serve with Sauces: Pair your Cornish Game Hens with different sauces, like a mustard sauce or a creamy garlic sauce for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Cornish Game Hens, the presentation is just as important as the flavor. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Elegant Dinner Parties: Serve Cornish Game Hens on large platters, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices for an elegant touch.
• Casual Family Dinners: Pair with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious juices from the hens.
• Holidays: These little birds are perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, offering a unique twist on traditional roasts.
• Seasonal Pairings: In fall, serve with roasted root vegetables; in spring, a fresh asparagus salad complements them beautifully.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They make great additions to salads, sandwiches, or wraps!

FAQ

Conclusion

Cornish Game Hens are a delightful dish that brings both elegance and comfort to the table. Their unique presentation and juicy flavor make them a standout choice for any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration. I encourage you to try cooking these exquisite birds; they might just become a favorite in your home!

Cornish Game Hens

The ultimate comfort food, Cornish Game Hens are perfect for any occasion. These tender, juicy hens are baked to perfection, infused with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon. Create a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Peeler

Ingredients

  

• 3 whole Cornish Game Hens approx 1.5 lbs each, thawed
• 1 whole Lemon sliced
• 1 whole Onion sliced
• 4 cloves Garlic whole, peeled
• 2 stems Fresh Rosemary
• 2 stems Fresh Thyme
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil divided
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• to garnish Fresh Lemon Slices
• to garnish Fresh Rosemary
• to garnish Fresh Thyme
• to garnish Fresh Parsley

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Slice the lemon and onion, and place in the bottom of a 13X9 baking dish. Add the garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Set aside while you prepare the hens.
• Remove the hens from the packaging, and pat dry with paper towels.
• Tie the legs of the hens together using kitchen twine.
• Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each hen. Using your hands, rub generously all over the hen.
• In a small bowl, combine the dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with kosher salt and pepper. Sprinkle liberally all over the hens.
• Place the hens on top of the lemons and onions in the prepared dish.
• Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F. If the skin of the hens starts to darken, cover with foil.
• Allow the hens to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cut hens in half. Each hen will serve 2 people. Serve with pan drippings and fresh herbs to garnish.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: These hens can be frozen after cooking. Just let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly and placing in the freezer.
• Pairing: Serve Cornish Game Hens with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs for unique flavor combinations.
• Stuffing Ideas: Stuff the hens with a mixture of rice or vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Keyword Cornish Game Hens for dinner, easy Cornish Game Hens recipe, herb roasted Cornish Game Hens, roasted Cornish Game Hens

Previous PostStuffed Baked Apples

Next Post Maple Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.