Elevate your next dinner gathering with these delectable Honey Herb Cornish Game Hens—an elegant yet approachable dish bursting with flavor. Perfectly roasted to golden-brown perfection, these petite chickens are infused with a luscious blend of honey, fresh rosemary, thyme, aromatic garlic, and a hint of zesty lemon. The process is simple yet sophisticated, with a drizzle of olive oil and chicken broth ensuring tender, juicy meat, while the final brush of melted butter creates an irresistible crisp finish. Ideal for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight indulgence, these herbaceous, sweet, and savory Cornish game hens are not only a feast for the palate but also a visual centerpiece. Serve them with roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes, and watch as this crowd-pleasing dish transforms any meal into a celebration!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, honey, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
With a basting brush or your hands, evenly coat the hens inside and out with the honey-herb mixture.
Place the hens on a roasting rack in a baking dish or roasting pan. Tuck a slice or two of lemon inside the cavity of each hen for added flavor.
Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the hens moist during cooking.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the bird reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with the pan juices every 15-20 minutes for a golden, flavorful skin.
During the last 10 minutes of roasting, brush the hens with melted butter for an extra layer of crispness and richness.
Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the hens whole or halved with the pan juices drizzled on top.
Serving size | 1510.2 grams (1510.2g) |
---|
Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|
Calories | 2723 |
Total Fat 162.40g | 208% |
Saturated Fat 48.40g | 242% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 862mg | 287% |
Sodium 3627mg | 158% |
Total Carbohydrate 69.40g | 25% |
Dietary Fiber 3.80g | 14% |
Total Sugars 55.40g | |
Protein 235.90g | 472% |
Vitamin D 100IU | 500% |
Calcium 237mg | 18% |
Iron 14mg | 80% |
Potassium 2681mg | 57% |
Source of Calories