Why Make This Recipe

Herbed Cornish Game Hen is a wonderful choice for dinner parties or special occasions. It looks elegant on the table and is surprisingly easy to make. The mix of fresh herbs and garlic gives the hens a delicious flavor that will impress your guests. Plus, each hen is a perfect serving size, making it a great option for fancy presentations without the fuss.

How to Make Herbed Cornish Game Hen

Ingredients

1 cup Salted butter (softened for easy mixing)
2 tablespoons Fresh rosemary (minced)
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
2 large Lemons (sliced into wedges)
2 teaspoons Fresh thyme (minced)
4 each Cornish game hens
To taste Salt
To taste Pepper

Directions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced rosemary, minced garlic, and minced thyme.
Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels.
Season the hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
Rub the herb butter mixture all over the hens, making sure to get under the skin for better flavor.
Place the lemon wedges inside each hen.
Arrange the hens in a roasting pan.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Herbed Cornish Game Hen

Serve the Cornish game hens on individual plates or bring the whole roasting pan to the table for a beautiful presentation. You can pair them with roasted vegetables or a light salad. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the hens for extra flavor.

How to Store Herbed Cornish Game Hen

If you have leftovers, let the hens cool down to room temperature, then wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked hens for up to 3 months. Just make sure to seal them in an airtight container.

Tips to Make Herbed Cornish Game Hen

Make sure the butter is really soft to help it mix well with the herbs.
Experiment with other herbs like sage or parsley if you like.
Don’t skip the resting time after cooking; it helps keep the meat juicy.

Variation

You can try a different flavor profile by adding orange slices instead of lemon or using a spice rub with paprika and cumin for a more exotic taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hens and refrigerate them for a few hours before roasting. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting them in the oven.

2. How can I tell when the hens are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The hens should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.

3. Can I use frozen Cornish game hens?
Yes, you can use frozen Cornish game hens. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before preparing. This usually takes about 24 hours.