Herb-Crusted Garlic & Rosemary Cornish Hens
Indulge in the savory allure of Herb-Crusted Garlic & Rosemary Cornish Hens, a dish that elevates any dining experience. Marinated in fragrant garlic and fresh rosemary, these tender game hens are roasted to perfection, creating a crispy exterior that encases juicy meat. The addition of fresh lemon adds a refreshing zest, while the wine and chicken broth create a rich sauce that enhances each bite. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, and the aroma alone will have your guests eagerly anticipating their first taste. Enjoy a meal that combines simplicity with elegance, served beautifully with a light salad and rice pilaf, with a glass of white wine for a complete gastronomic experience.
4-8
Servings
225
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
4 (cleaned and patted dry)
fresh rosemary
4 (sprigs)
fresh garlic
20-25 (cloves, peeled)
lemon
1 (cut into wedges)
olive oil
3 (tablespoons)
chicken broth
1/3 (cup)
dry white wine
1/3 (cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Rinse the Cornish hens thoroughly and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
3
Lightly season the cavities of each hen with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
4
Cut the lemon into four wedges.
5
Stuff each hen with one lemon wedge, one sprig of rosemary, and one peeled garlic clove.
6
Rub one tablespoon of olive oil over the exterior of each hen, ensuring an even coating.
7
Sprinkle the outside of the hens with salt and pepper for added seasoning.
8
In a roasting pan, arrange the hens, and scatter the remaining peeled garlic cloves around them.
9
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes.
10
After 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and pour the dry white wine, chicken broth, and the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil over the hens.
11
Continue roasting for an additional 25 minutes, or until the juices from the thickest part of the hens run clear. Baste the hens with the pan juices every 10 minutes during this time.
12
Once cooked, remove the hens from the pan and transfer any remaining juices, along with the juices from the cavities, into a medium saucepan.
13
Bring the juices to a boil over medium-high heat and let simmer for 6 to 8 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
14
Serve each hen on a plate and spoon the sauce and roasted garlic over the top. Garnish with additional rosemary if desired.
15
For larger servings, you can cut each hen in half. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad and rice pilaf.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
6g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Herb-Crusted Garlic & Rosemary Cornish Hens.
How many Cornish hens are required?
You will need 4 Cornish hens for this recipe.
What is the initial oven temperature for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How should I prepare the Cornish hens before roasting?
Rinse the hens thoroughly and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
What goes inside the cavity of each hen?
Each hen is stuffed with one lemon wedge, one sprig of rosemary, and one peeled garlic clove.
How much garlic is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 20-25 peeled garlic cloves.
How should the outside of the hens be seasoned?
Rub the exterior with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
What should be done with the garlic cloves not used for stuffing?
Scatter the remaining peeled garlic cloves around the hens in the roasting pan.
How long is the first roasting stage?
The hens should roast at 450°F for approximately 25 minutes.
What temperature is the oven reduced to after the first 25 minutes?
The oven temperature should be reduced to 350°F (175°C).
Which liquids are added during the second roasting stage?
Add dry white wine, chicken broth, and two tablespoons of olive oil over the hens.
How long is the second roasting stage?
Roast for an additional 25 minutes after reducing the temperature and adding liquids.
How often should the hens be basted?
Baste the hens with pan juices every 10 minutes during the final roasting period.
How can I tell if the Cornish hens are fully cooked?
The hens are done when the juices from the thickest part run clear.
How is the sauce for the hens prepared?
Transfer pan and cavity juices to a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad and rice pilaf.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe serves between 4 and 8 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 225 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 17g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 14g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of wine is recommended for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of dry white wine.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of chicken broth.
What type of herbs are used for the crust?
Fresh rosemary is used to create the herb-crusted flavor profile.
How much olive oil is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used.
Can the hens be cut into smaller portions?
Yes, you can cut each hen in half for larger servings.
What should I do with the roasted garlic after cooking?
Spoon the roasted garlic over the hens along with the sauce before serving.
What is the recommended drink pairing?
A glass of white wine is recommended to complete the gastronomic experience.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
You can garnish the hens with additional rosemary if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an elegant dish perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.