Herb-Infused Smothered Cornish Game Hens
Delight your taste buds with our Herb-Infused Smothered Cornish Game Hens, a rich and savory dish perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. These tender hens are first browned to perfection in a luscious butter sauce, then smothered in a flavorful broth made with dry sherry, ensuring every bite is infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The combination of butter, chicken broth, and seasonings creates a creamy sauce that's poured over the hens before baking, resulting in a beautifully golden, moist, and succulent dish. Serve alongside your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal anyone would love to share.
4
Servings
550
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
2 (split)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (sifted)
chicken broth
2 cups (low sodium preferred)
dry sherry
1/2 cup (optional)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the split Cornish hens, skin-side down, and brown for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3
Once browned, carefully transfer the hens to a 13x9-inch baking dish, placing them breast-side up.
4
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until smooth and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
5
Gradually add the chicken broth and dry sherry, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until it thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
7
Pour the creamy sauce generously over the hens in the baking dish.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the hens are cooked through and tender.
9
For a crispy finish, uncover the dish during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Information
39g
Fat
21g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Infused Smothered Cornish Game Hens?
This is a rich and savory dish where split Cornish hens are browned in butter and then baked in a flavorful gravy made with chicken broth and dry sherry.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What oven temperature is required?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the Cornish hens?
The hens should be split before you begin the browning process.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
How long do I brown the hens in the skillet?
Brown the hens skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is the best size for this recipe.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using 1/4 cup of sifted all-purpose flour whisked into the butter.
Is the dry sherry mandatory?
No, the dry sherry is optional, though it adds a distinct depth of flavor to the sauce.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chicken broth, with low sodium being the preferred choice.
What seasonings are used for the hens?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
To avoid lumps, gradually add the liquid (broth and sherry) while whisking continuously.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should be simmered for about 5 minutes until it thickens and bubbles.
Should the hens be placed breast-side up or down in the dish?
Transfer the browned hens to the baking dish and place them breast-side up.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
What is the total baking time?
The hens should bake for a total of 1 hour.
How can I get the skin of the hens crispy?
Uncover the dish during the final 10-15 minutes of baking for a crispy finish.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 39g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 37.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 21g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The recipe data indicates a negligible or null fiber content.
Can I use regular chicken instead of Cornish hens?
While the recipe specifies Cornish hens, you could use chicken pieces, though cooking times may vary.
Is this dish suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, the rich flavors and elegant presentation make it ideal for special occasions or holiday dinners.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The flavor profile is savory and rich, characterized by butter, chicken broth, and sherry.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: Cornish hens, butter, flour, broth, sherry, salt, and pepper.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Key tags include poultry, baked chicken, comfort food, and herb-infused.
What happens to the flour in the skillet?
The flour is stirred constantly for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and lightly browned.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free unless a substitute is used.
What is the best way to serve this?
It is best served alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.