How to Make Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something truly special about serving Cornish game hens for a dinner party or special occasion. Their petite size and rich, flavorful meat make them a standout on any dinner table. If you're looking for a show-stopping dish that's simple to prepare, look no further than Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary. This recipe elevates the humble game hen to a new level of sophistication with the addition of fragrant garlic and earthy rosemary, creating a dish that's as elegant as it is...

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Ingredients

  • 4 Cornish hens
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 8 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided
  • 24 cloves garlic
  • ⅓ cup white wine
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 Cornish hens

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Rub hens with 1 tablespoon olive oil; lightly season with salt and pepper. Stuff 1 lemon quarter and 1 rosemary sprig into each cavity. Place Cornish hens in a large, heavy roasting pan and arrange garlic cloves around them.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk wine, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil together in a small bowl.
  • Remove hens from the oven; reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Pour wine mixture over the hens and continue roasting, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes, until hens are golden brown and juices run clear, about 25 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Transfer hens to a platter, pouring any cavity juices into the roasting pan; discard lemons and rosemary. Tent hens with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  • Transfer pan juices and garlic cloves to a medium saucepan; boil until reduced to a sauce consistency, about 6 minutes.
  • Cut hens in half lengthwise and arrange two halves on each plate. Spoon sauce and roasted garlic on top. Garnish with remaining rosemary sprigs and serve.
  • Nutrition

    814 cal.

    • Total Fat: 58g
    • Saturated Fat: 15g
    • Cholesterol: 340mg
    • Sodium: 1383mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 10g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 59g
    • Vitamin C: 28mg
    • Calcium: 93mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 929mg