Herb-Infused New England Cornish Game Hens
Elevate your dining experience with these Herb-Infused New England Cornish Game Hens. Perfectly roasted, these tender and flavorful birds are infused with a delightful blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Ideal for special occasions or a fancy weeknight dinner, these game hens are sure to impress your guests. Serve alongside seasonal vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal that brings a touch of New England charm to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon
1 (juice only)
olive oil
4 fluid ounces (as-is)
garlic cloves
2 (pressed)
dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons (as-is)
dried rosemary
3 teaspoons (as-is)
bay leaves
2 (as-is)
crushed red pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons (as-is)
salt
to taste (as-is)
black pepper
to taste (as-is)
Cornish hens
2 (cleaned and split)
unsalted butter
to brush (melted)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Cornish hens: split each hen and carefully remove the ribs and backbone.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, pressed garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
3
Place the cleaned hens into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, pour in the marinade, and ensure the hens are evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours for more intense flavor.
4
When ready to cook, remove the hens from the marinade and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) for optimal roasting.
6
Once preheated, take the hens, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade, and arrange them in a single layer in a large oven-safe dish.
7
Brush the hens generously with melted unsalted butter and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8
Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, basting with remaining melted butter once or twice during cooking to ensure crispy skin.
9
The hens are done when the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused New England Cornish Game Hens?
They are tender roasted poultry dishes infused with a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon juice, olive oil, pressed garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
How many Cornish hens does this recipe use?
This recipe is designed for 2 Cornish hens.
How should the Cornish hens be prepared before marinating?
Each hen should be cleaned, split, and have the ribs and backbone carefully removed.
How long should the hens marinate?
Refrigerate the hens in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours for a more intense flavor profile.
What is the recommended roasting temperature for the hens?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C) for optimal roasting results.
How long do the game hens need to roast?
The hens should roast for approximately 20 to 25 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
What internal temperature ensures the hens are cooked?
The hens are done when a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Should I bring the hens to room temperature before cooking?
Yes, let the hens sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes after removing them from the marinade.
Why should I pat the hens dry before roasting?
Patting them dry with paper towels removes excess marinade, which helps the skin achieve a crispy texture.
How do I ensure the skin remains crispy during roasting?
Brush the hens with melted unsalted butter before roasting and baste them once or twice during the cooking process.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 4 fluid ounces of olive oil.
How much lemon juice is required?
The juice of one lemon is used for the marinade.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Two pressed garlic cloves are used in the herb blend.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains a hint of heat from 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes.
What dried herbs are featured in this dish?
The primary herbs used are dried thyme and dried rosemary, along with bay leaves.
Should the hens be cooked in a single layer?
Yes, arrange the hens in a single layer in a large oven-safe dish for even cooking.
Do I need to let the meat rest after roasting?
Yes, allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before serving to help keep the meat juicy.
What is a good side dish for these game hens?
Serve them alongside seasonal vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Can I use salted butter for brushing?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but you can use salted if you adjust the additional salt seasoning accordingly.
How much rosemary is required?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of dried rosemary.
How much thyme is used in the recipe?
Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, these hens are perfect for special occasions, entertaining guests, or a fancy weeknight dinner.
What type of dish should be used for roasting?
A large oven-safe dish that can accommodate the hens in a single layer is best.
Can I marinate the hens longer than 6 hours?
The recipe suggests up to 6 hours; marinating much longer may affect the texture of the meat due to the lemon juice.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to split each hen and remove the ribs and backbone.
How many bay leaves are used?
Two bay leaves are included in the marinade.
Is the garlic chopped or pressed?
The recipe specifically calls for the garlic cloves to be pressed.
What makes this a 'New England' style dish?
It incorporates regional charm through its herb-focused profile and elegant presentation.