German Style Hens

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Bavaria with this succulent German Style Hens recipe, a rustic yet elegant dish perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Featuring tender Cornish game hens seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, paprika, and thyme, this recipe elevates the meal with a rich braise of dark German beer, caramelized onions, and sweet apples. The hens are roasted to golden perfection, basted with pan juices for ultimate succulence, and topped with a tangy spread of whole grain mustard. Infused with the warm, hearty flavors of German cuisine, this dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or roasted potatoes. Ready in just an hour, it’s a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that tastes as stunning as it looks!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole Cornish game hens
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 large Yellow onion
• 2 medium Apples
• 1 cup Dark German beer (such as Dunkel or Märzen)
• 1 cup Chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board.

Step 3

Drizzle the hens with olive oil and rub it evenly over the skin. Season with garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, making sure to season the cavity as well.

Step 4

In a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 5

Slice the yellow onions and apples into thin wedges. Add them to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to caramelize.

Step 6

Push the onions and apples to the sides of the skillet to make room for the hens. Place the hens breast-side up in the middle of the skillet.

Step 7

Pour the dark German beer and chicken stock around the hens, making sure not to pour it directly on the skin.

Step 8

Spread the whole grain mustard over the top of the hens for extra flavor.

Step 9

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the hens for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with the pan juices every 20 minutes for maximum flavor.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the hens rest for 10 minutes.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve the hens with the caramelized onions, apples, and pan juices for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2362.5 grams (2362.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3064

Total Fat 168.90g	217%
Saturated Fat 47.40g	237%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 887mg	296%
Sodium 663365mg	28842%
Total Carbohydrate 94.10g	34%
Dietary Fiber 15.90g	57%
Total Sugars 53.00g
Protein 250.10g	500%

Vitamin D 105IU	523%
Calcium 305mg	23%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 3265mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.5%

Protein: 34.5%

Carbs: 13.0%