Roasted Cornish Game Hen
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
8 (depending on serving half or whole chicken)
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Calories
477 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Roasted Cornish Game Hen
Description
The hens, about four in number, are prepared by loosening their skin to place thin butter slices beneath, along with fresh rosemary and thyme leaves for aromatic richness. Lemon quarters and garlic cloves are inserted into the cavity, alongside herb sprigs, to infuse the meat while roasting. The hens are rubbed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arranged with spacing on a foil-lined roasting pan to allow even heat circulation and promote crispy skin.
Roasting at 450°F begins the cooking process for a well-browned exterior. After 25 minutes, the temperature is reduced (method cutoff in provided data) for continued cooking, while a pan sauce of white wine and chicken broth is prepared to accompany the hens. The overall method aims for tender, flavorful meat with an appealing golden crust.
This roast pairs with simple sides and is suitable for a special meal or intimate gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cornish game hen patted dry with paper towels
- 8 butter thin slices
- 4 rosemary or herbs of choice plus some extra leaves of each, sprigs, fresh
- 4 thyme or herbs of choice plus some extra leaves of each, sprigs, fresh
- 4 garlic peeled, large cloves
- 1 lemon ,scrubbed well and cut into quarters
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 cup white wine dry
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Pat the hens dry with a paper towel. Use your index finger to loosen the skin on the top of the hen and slip a thin slice of butter under the skin on top of each breast. Add a few rosemary and thyme leaves (or herb of choice). Repeat for each hen. Put a quarter of a lemon in the cavity of each hen along with a clove of garlic and a sprig of fresh rosemary and thyme (or herb of choice). Truss the hens by tying the wings and legs.
- Rub each hen all over with some extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place then hens on the rack of a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil, spacing them out so they are as far apart from each other as possible. This will enable their skins to get browned and crispy.
- Place the hens in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes.
- While the hens are roasting, combine the chicken broth and wine in a bowl.
- After the hens have been roasting for 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Pour the broth/wine mixture over the hens and continue to roast for 30 minutes, basting the hens with the juices at the bottom of the pan every 10 minutes or less. The hens are done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the juices run clear. If you prefer darker skins, turn up the temperature to broil for a couple more minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Carefully 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 aluminum foil to keep warm. Pour the juices from the roasting pan into a saucepan and boil for about 5 minutes until the liquid is a thin sauce-like consistency. Serve the hens whole per guest or cut in half lengthwise and place cavity-down on each serving plate. Drizzle the sauce over the hens and garnish with fresh herb sprigs and a slice of lemon. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8(depending on serving half or whole chicken)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 477 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5hen (half) | |
| Calories | 477kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 229mg | 76% |
| Sodium | 199mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 578mg | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 285IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 9.9mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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