Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Lemon
Delight your guests with these succulent herb-roasted Cornish game hens, infused with aromas of garlic and zesty lemon. Perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal, this dish showcases tender meat marinated with fresh herbs and roasted to a golden perfection. Serve with a savory sauce made from the drippings, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce for a flavorful complement. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or just want to treat your loved ones to something special, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Pair with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
8
Servings
384
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
16 (peeled)
lemon wedges
16
Cornish hens
8 (small, about 1 lb each)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves
3 (smashed)
chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons
chopped fresh sage
2 tablespoons
chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons
chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups
low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
soft non-hydrogenated margarine
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare each Cornish hen by placing two whole garlic cloves and two lemon wedges inside each bird's cavity.
3
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smashed garlic, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a herb marinade.
4
Gently lift the skin from the breast and thigh of each hen, being careful not to tear the skin. Rub the herb mixture directly onto the meat for maximum flavor infusion.
5
Any remaining marinade should be rubbed over the skin of the hens for a beautifully seasoned exterior.
6
Arrange the prepared hens on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
7
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until they are well browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally.
8
Once cooked, transfer the hens to a serving platter and allow them to rest while you prepare the sauce.
9
To make the sauce, pour the drippings from the baking sheet into a measuring cup and skim off any excess fat.
10
In a saucepan, combine the skimmed juices with the chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
11
In a separate small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the soft margarine until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce and cook until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
12
Serve the roasted Cornish hens on individual plates or on one large platter, alongside the savory sauce for drizzling.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
21g
Carbs
34g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Lemon.
How many Cornish hens are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 small Cornish hens, each weighing about 1 lb.
To what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What is placed inside the cavity of each hen?
Place two whole garlic cloves and two lemon wedges inside each bird's cavity.
Which fresh herbs are used for the marinade?
The herb marinade includes fresh rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme.
How should the herb mixture be applied to the hens?
Gently lift the skin from the breast and thigh and rub the mixture directly onto the meat.
What do I do with the remaining herb marinade?
Any leftover marinade should be rubbed over the exterior skin of the hens.
How should the baking sheet be prepared?
Arrange the hens on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart for even cooking.
How long do the Cornish hens need to roast?
Roast the hens for approximately 45 minutes until well browned.
What is the internal temperature requirement for doneness?
The hens are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How do you prepare the savory sauce?
Combine skimmed pan drippings with chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then thicken with flour and margarine.
What liquids are added to the pan drippings for the sauce?
Add 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
How is the sauce thickened?
Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 tablespoon of soft margarine and stir it into the boiling sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 384 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 34 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a sophisticated family meal.
What side dishes are recommended?
Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad are excellent complements to this dish.
How many total garlic cloves are needed?
A total of 19 garlic cloves are used: 16 for the cavities and 3 for the marinade.
How should the garlic for the marinade be prepared?
The three garlic cloves used for the herb marinade should be smashed.
Should the hens be basted during cooking?
Yes, basting the hens occasionally while roasting helps achieve a golden perfection.
What type of soy sauce is used?
The recipe specifies using low sodium soy sauce.
What type of margarine is used for the sauce?
Use 1 tablespoon of soft non-hydrogenated margarine.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of fat-free low-sodium chicken broth.
What do I do with the drippings before making the sauce?
Pour them into a measuring cup and skim off any excess fat.
Why is the skin lifted before seasoning?
This allows the herbs to infuse flavor directly into the meat for maximum taste.
Should the hens rest before serving?
Yes, transfer the hens to a platter and let them rest while you prepare the sauce.
What ingredients are used to season the herb marinade?
The marinade is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.