Herb-Roasted Cornish Hens

Name: Herb-Roasted Cornish Hens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 lemon, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp dried rosemary; 2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup white wine (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 4

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Herb-Roasted Cornish Hens are a delightful change from the usual chicken dinner, offering a perfectly portioned, elegant meal that's as simple as it is impressive. This recipe combines fresh, aromatic herbs with a hint of citrus, creating a succulent main course that's perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients for Herb-Roasted Cornish Hens

Cornish hens are essentially smaller chickens, making them perfect for individual servings. Their tender meat absorbs flavors beautifully. Olive oil helps to crisp the skin and keep the meat moist. Lemon adds a subtle citrus zing, balancing the herbs. Garlic is a must for its aromatic depth. Dried rosemary and thyme are classic poultry herbs that bring earthy, pine-like notes. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors, while paprika adds a gentle warmth and color. Chicken broth and white wine (if using) ensure the hens stay juicy during roasting. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the finished dish.

Tips & Tricks

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are perfectly cooked without guessing.
If you like crispy skin, broil the hens for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
Letting the hens rest after roasting is crucial for juicy meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these herb-roasted Cornish hens with roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a lighter touch. A side of creamy mashed potatoes also pairs beautifully, soaking up the flavorful juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?: Absolutely! If using fresh herbs, just double the amount as they’re less concentrated than dried.
What can I use instead of white wine?: You can substitute with extra chicken broth or even apple juice for a slight sweetness.
How do I know when the hens are done?: A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

Herb-Roasted Cornish Hens Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, start prepping the Cornish hens. Give them a good rinse under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely.

Next, grab a small bowl and mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. This will form a fragrant herb paste. Rub this mixture all over the hens, making sure to get into every nook and cranny, including the cavities. This helps infuse the meat with flavor.

Now, take your lemon slices and tuck them inside the cavity of each hen. This infuses the birds with a fresh, citrusy aroma as they roast. Arrange the hens in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth and white wine around them; the liquid will keep the meat moist and add flavor to the drippings.

Pop the hens into your preheated oven and let them roast for about 50-60 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), so having a meat thermometer on hand is useful. Once they’re done, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfectly portioned for individual servings, making it great for intimate dinners.
Combines classic herbs and spices for a flavor that's both familiar and sophisticated.
Simple preparation with minimal ingredients, yet impressive presentation.
The optional white wine adds depth, enhancing the herbaceous aroma.

Ingredients

2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 lemon, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp dried rosemary

2 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup white wine (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika to form a paste.

4. Rub the herb paste liberally over the hens, including the cavity.

5. Place lemon slices inside the cavity of each hen.

6. Arrange the hens in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth and white wine (if using) around them.

7. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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