I’ve always loved Cornish game hens. Growing up they were our traditional New Year’s Eve dinner for many years. Not only were they delicious, they also catered perfectly to those egocentric developmental stages of childhood and teens where the importance of possession dominates: Being in miniature form, I could have an entire chicken all to myself! And it’s still neat to be served a mini chicken you can call your own.
One of the reasons I like Cornish game hens is that they make for such an elegant presentation. It’s one thing when you bring in the large roasted chicken for your dinner guests to admire and it’s then carved and divided among the plates, each guest with their own little pile of chicken meat – and of course the dark meat lovers have to fight over who gets the two drumsticks and wings. But it looks much more impressive when you can serve your dinner guests their very own beautifully golden-browned hens. And those dark meat lovers get both sets of drumsticks and wings to themselves! Thinking of inviting your boss over to dinner to prep him for that raise request? These Cornish game hens are the perfect thing to feed his ego. There are a few tips and tricks to achieving roasted Cornish game hens that are perfectly browned and crispy on the outside while super moist and flavorful on the inside. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for your family, enjoying a romantic dinner for two, celebrating a special occasion or holiday, or simply feeding your egocentric needs, this recipe will show you what you need to do to get the perfect results.
Print
Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Garlic, Herbs and Lemon
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Super moist and flavorful Cornish game hens with crispy skin. A simple yet elegant recipe for a special dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 (910 g) Cornish game hens
- 8 slices butter
- 4 sprigs each of fresh rosemary and thyme (or herbs of choice) plus some extra leaves of each
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (224°C).
- Pat the hens dry with a paper towel. Loosen the skin on top of each hen and slip a thin slice of butter under the skin on each breast. Add a few rosemary and thyme leaves. Repeat for each hen. Put a quarter of a lemon, a clove of garlic, and a sprig of rosemary and thyme in the cavity of each hen. Truss the hens by tying the wings and legs.
- Rub each hen with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the hens on a rack in a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil, spacing them out.
- Place the hens in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes.
- While the hens are roasting, combine chicken broth and wine in a bowl.
- After 35 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Pour the broth mixture over the hens and continue to roast for 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. The hens are done when a thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thigh and juices run clear. For darker skin, broil for a few minutes, watching closely.
- Remove the hens and pour the juices from their cavities into the roasting pan. Transfer the hens to a warmed platter, remove the trussing string, and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Pour the pan juices into a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes until sauce-like.
- Serve the hens whole or cut in half, cavity-down. Drizzle with sauce, garnish with herbs and lemon, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, increase the roasting time at 450°F (224°C) by 5-10 minutes before reducing the temperature.
- Substitute chicken thighs for the Cornish hens, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Expect longer cooking time.
- Store leftover hens and pan sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 game hen
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 180
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to roast Cornish game hens?
At 400 to 425°F, Cornish game hens typically take 45 to 55 minutes to roast through. The internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F.
Should I truss the hens before roasting?
Trussing helps them cook more evenly and keeps the legs from splaying open, but it’s not required. If you skip it, just tuck the wing tips under the body so they don’t burn.
Can I prepare the garlic, herb, and lemon seasoning ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the garlic, herbs, and lemon together and even rub it on the hens several hours in advance. Letting them sit in the refrigerator with the seasoning for a few hours helps the flavors work into the skin.
