Lemon Garlic Herb Cornish Game Hens
Indulge in the succulent flavors of Lemon Garlic Herb Cornish Game Hens, a delightful dish that brings elegance to any dinner table. This recipe showcases tender, juicy hens infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, perfectly complemented by subtle hints of rosemary. The secret to achieving that mouthwatering moisture lies in the frequent basting throughout the baking process, turning simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Serve these hens over a bed of fragrant wild rice for a complete meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
4 (cleaned and patted dry)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
rosemary
1 teaspoon (dried)
garlic cloves
2 (pressed or minced)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
wild rice
as needed (cooked (optional for serving))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully rub each Cornish hen with the softened butter, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor and moisture.
3
In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, pressed garlic, and lemon juice to create a flavorful basting mixture.
4
Place the hens in a roasting pan and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Every 10 minutes, open the oven and baste the hens generously with the lemon garlic mixture to enhance the flavor and moistness.
5
Once done, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
6
If desired, serve over a bed of wild rice, drizzling any remaining lemon mixture over the rice for added flavor.
7
Enjoy your beautifully roasted Cornish game hens!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is Cornish game hens.
How many Cornish hens are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 Cornish hens.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What is used to rub the hens for flavor and moisture?
Softened butter is rubbed over each hen for maximum flavor and moisture.
What ingredients make up the basting mixture?
The basting mixture consists of rosemary, pressed garlic, and lemon juice.
How long should the Cornish game hens bake?
The hens should bake in the oven for 1 hour.
How often should the hens be basted during cooking?
The hens should be basted generously every 10 minutes.
What is the benefit of basting the hens frequently?
Frequent basting helps achieve mouthwatering moisture and enhances the overall flavor.
What is the recommended side dish for serving?
It is recommended to serve the hens over a bed of fragrant wild rice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
What preparation is needed for the hens before cooking?
The hens should be cleaned and patted dry.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened butter.
What type of rosemary is used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves.
What is the best way to prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be pressed or minced.
How much lemon juice is required for the basting mixture?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is the wild rice a required ingredient?
No, the wild rice is optional and listed as 'as needed' for serving.
Should the hens rest after being removed from the oven?
Yes, you should let the hens rest for a few minutes after cooking.
Can I add the leftover basting mixture to the rice?
Yes, you can drizzle any remaining lemon mixture over the rice for added flavor.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Meat.
Is this recipe suitable for an elegant dinner?
Yes, it is described as a delightful dish that brings elegance to any dinner table.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
You can expect zesty lemon and aromatic garlic flavors with subtle hints of rosemary.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, 'easy recipe' is one of the tags associated with this dish.
What equipment is needed for roasting the hens?
A roasting pan is required to bake the hens in the oven.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients listed.
What should I do if I want to impress guests?
Serve these hens over wild rice to create a complete and impressive meal.
Is the rosemary used in the rub or the basting mixture?
The rosemary is combined with garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl to create the basting mixture.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include cornish game hens, lemon garlic, herb roasted, and baked chicken.