Herb-Infused Baked Cornish Game Hens
Delight your taste buds with these savory Herb-Infused Baked Cornish Game Hens, perfect for an intimate dinner or a special occasion. Tender and juicy, each hen is lovingly rubbed with rich butter and infused with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon. Basting every 10 minutes ensures a crispy, golden skin that beautifully envelops the succulent meat. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Ideal for those looking to impress at their next gathering!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
2 (whole, cleaned)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Lemon juice
3 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic clove
1 (pressed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, dried rosemary, and pressed garlic to create a basting mixture.
4
Rub the hens generously with the melted butter, ensuring even coverage.
5
Place the hens breast-side up in a baking dish and using a brush, baste them with the lemon and herb mixture.
6
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
7
Every 10 minutes, baste the hens again with the lemon mixture to enhance flavors and promote browning.
8
Once cooked through and golden brown, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused Baked Cornish Game Hens?
This is a savory poultry dish featuring tender Cornish hens rubbed with a rich mixture of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, dried rosemary, and garlic, then baked to golden perfection.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking these hens.
How long does it take to bake Cornish game hens?
The Cornish hens should be baked for 1 hour until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What ingredients are in the herb basting mixture?
The basting mixture consists of 1/4 cup melted butter, 3 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 pressed garlic clove.
How do I ensure the skin of the Cornish hens is crispy?
To achieve crispy skin, pat the hens dry with paper towels before seasoning and baste them every 10 minutes during the baking process.
Why should I pat the hens dry before cooking?
Removing excess moisture from the skin with paper towels is essential for ensuring the skin becomes crispy rather than soggy while baking.
How often should I baste the Cornish hens?
You should baste the hens with the lemon and herb mixture every 10 minutes while they are in the oven.
Is fresh or dried rosemary used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Should the Cornish hens be placed breast-side up or down?
Place the hens breast-side up in the baking dish for even cooking and browning.
How long should the hens rest after baking?
Let the hens rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute.
What are some recommended side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, these hens are perfect for an intimate dinner, a holiday gathering, or any special occasion where you want to impress.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
You will need 1 garlic clove, which should be pressed before being added to the basting mixture.
Do I need fresh lemon juice?
The recipe recommends 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best aromatic results.
What preparation is needed for the Cornish hens?
The hens should be whole and cleaned before you begin the preparation process.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Poultry.
Can I make this recipe for more than 2 people?
Yes, you can scale the ingredients proportionally if you wish to serve more guests, provided you have a large enough baking dish.
What makes the meat succulent in this recipe?
The combination of the rich butter rub and the frequent basting every 10 minutes keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Does this recipe include nutritional facts?
Specific nutritional values like calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided for this specific recipe.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner recipe that delivers sophisticated results.
What tools do I need to make these hens?
You will need a small bowl for the mixture, a baking dish, and a basting brush.
How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?
The hens are done when they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature safe for poultry (usually 165°F) after about an hour of baking.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cornish hens, baked poultry, herb-infused, easy dinner recipe, and special occasion meal.
Can I substitute the dried rosemary?
While dried rosemary is specified, you could use fresh rosemary, though you may need to adjust the quantity as fresh herbs are generally less concentrated than dried.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
The recipe mentions butter without specifying; if you use salted butter, you may want to adjust any additional salt you might otherwise add.
Can I prepare the basting mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the melted butter, lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic ahead of time, but you may need to gently re-melt the butter if it solidifies.
Does this dish have a zesty flavor?
Yes, the 3 teaspoons of lemon juice provide a bright, zesty contrast to the rich butter and aromatic rosemary.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).