Herb Roasted Cornish Hens
Don’t want to roast a whole chicken? Need something different for your dinner routine? Look no further than this Cornish Hens recipe. These little birds may be small in size, but they pack a punch when it comes to flavor. With a zesty lemon kick and a burst of fresh herbs, each bite is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
Let’s get started by rounding up our ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 4 Cornish hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Size:
- 1 Cornish hen per person
Cook Time Duration:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s time to bring the heat and get that oven nice and toasty for our hens.
Step 2: Prep the Cornish Hens Next, let’s prep our little birdies for their flavor-packed journey. Start by rinsing the Cornish hens under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. We want to make sure they’re nice and clean before we dress them up with all that herby goodness.
Step 3: Stuff with Flavor Once your hens are squeaky clean, it’s time to stuff them with flavor bombs! Take those sliced lemons and stuff a few slices into the cavity of each hen. This will infuse our birds with a bright, citrusy flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 4: Create the Herb Rub Now, let’s amp up the herb factor by mixing together our minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and olive oil in a small bowl. This aromatic mixture is going to be the secret sauce that takes our Cornish hens to the next level.
Step 5: Coat the Hens Using your hands (because let’s face it, hands are the best kitchen tools), rub the herb and oil mixture all over each Cornish hen, making sure to coat them evenly. This step is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy about getting your hands dirty!
Step 6: Season Once your hens are nice and coated, season them generously with salt and pepper. Remember, seasoning is key to bringing out all those delicious flavors, so don’t skimp on the salt and pepper!
Step 7: Roast in the Oven Now that our hens are dressed to impress, it’s time to get them into the oven. Place them in a roasting pan, breast side up, and pop them into the preheated oven.
Step 8: Cook Until Golden Brown Set your timer for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and sit back while the oven works its magic. You’ll know your hens are ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
Step 9: Rest and Serve Once your Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Hens are done cooking, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
When it’s time to plate up, garnish your hens with a few sprigs of fresh herbs for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve them alongside your favorite sides – think roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad – and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess!
And there you have it, folks – a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Hens are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply craving something special for a weeknight meal. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavors that await!
