Garlic Herb Cornish Hens Recipe
User Reviews
4.2
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
1309 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Garlic Herb Cornish Hens Recipe
Description
Garlic Herb Cornish Hens are prepared by rinsing and drying the hens, trussing their legs, and coating them with a mixture of olive oil, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. After arranging the hens spaced on a foil-lined pan, they are roasted initially at 450°F, then reduced to 400°F to cook through. A butter sauce composed of clarified butter, fresh minced garlic, parsley, hot sauce, and salt is prepared separately and used for basting halfway through the roasting process at 350°F to enhance moisture and flavor.
The roasting technique allows for crisp skin while maintaining tender, juicy interior meat. The herb and citrus components impart a fragrant, bright flavor that complements the rich poultry. The optional charred lemon garnish adds smoky acidity if desired.
This dish works well as a centerpiece for a casual dinner or special occasion. The halves of Cornish hens make portioning straightforward and manageable.
Charring lemons can be done on an open flame, grill, or with a torch to add aromatic smokiness. The butter sauce can solidify if left to sit and should be reheated gently before basting to ensure smooth application.
Ingredients
- 2 .25 lb cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 lemon, fresh
- 1 tablespoons rosemary chopped, fresh herbs
- 1 tablespoons thyme
- 1 tablespoons parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt coarse
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons butter clarified preferred, unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced, fresh
- 2 teaspoons flat leaf parsley , minced
- 2 teaspoon hot sauce
- pinch kosher salt coarse
- 1-2 lemon cut in half and charred, optional, plural
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or low sided roasting pan with aluminum foil.
- Remove hens from packaging, rinse with cold water and pat dry. Tie back legs together using butcher's twine and tuck the wings behind themselves. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon zest, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Baste both sides of each hen with the olive oil, pouring any remaining in the cavity. Arrange 2-3 inches apart with the breast side up.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and place the hens in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the butter sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Whisk in the garlic, parsley, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Butter may solidify while sitting and require to be reheated when you baste.
- At 40 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350°F, remove the hens and baste with well on just the top side with half of the butter. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Baste again and continue to bake for another 10 minutes. Check internal temperature. If it reads between 155-160°F, it is time to remove them for resting. If not, keep them in the oven until they reach the desired temperature which ranges depending on size.
- Remove, gently tent with aluminum foil and then rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with charred lemon halves.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!
Notes
- Char lemons carefully using a grill, open flame, or butane torch for added smoky flavor.
- Butter sauce may solidify; rewarm before basting to apply smoothly.
- Truss hens to keep legs and wings secure during roasting for even cooking.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in butter sauce to suit preferred spice level.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1309 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1309kcal | 65% |
| Protein | 77g | 154% |
| Fat | 109g | 168% |
| Saturated Fat | 46g | 230% |
| Cholesterol | 576mg | 192% |
| Sodium | 851mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 1084mg | 23% |
| Vitamin A | 1905IU | 38% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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