Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens: A Simple & Elegant Recipe
Cornish game hens are a delightful alternative to chicken, offering a smaller, more manageable portion perfect for individual servings or a cozy dinner for two. This recipe for Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens is both elegant and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The aromatic blend of garlic and rosemary infuses the hens with a savory, herbaceous flavor that’s simply irresistible. This dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.
Why Cornish Game Hens?
Cornish game hens are young, small chickens, typically weighing around one to two pounds. Their delicate flavor and tender meat make them a versatile ingredient that can be roasted, grilled, or pan-fried. They cook relatively quickly compared to larger chickens, making them a convenient option when you’re short on time. Plus, the individual portion size is perfect for portion control and elegant plating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Cornish Game Hens:** The star of the show! You’ll need 2 Cornish game hens, about 1 to 1.5 pounds each.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. You’ll need about 6-8 cloves, minced.
* **Rosemary:** Fresh rosemary is preferred, but dried rosemary can be substituted. Use about 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped, or 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary.
* **Olive Oil:** Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and flavor. About 2-3 tablespoons will be sufficient.
* **Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Be generous with the seasoning to bring out the best flavor in the hens.
* **Optional: Butter:** Adding a tablespoon or two of butter under the skin of the hens will add extra richness and moisture.
* **Optional: Chicken Broth or White Wine:** For deglazing the pan and creating a delicious pan sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Roasting Pan:** A roasting pan with a rack is ideal for this recipe. The rack allows the hens to roast evenly and prevents them from sitting in their own juices.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the garlic rosemary mixture.
* **Small Bowl (optional):** For melting butter if using.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring the hens are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Basting Brush:** For basting the hens with pan juices.
* **Kitchen Twine (optional):** For trussing the hens (optional, but recommended for even cooking and presentation).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – preparing the Cornish game hens! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly roasted, flavorful hens.
**Step 1: Prepare the Cornish Game Hens**
* **Thaw the Hens:** If your hens are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Never thaw them at room temperature.
* **Remove Giblets:** Remove any giblets or necks from the cavity of the hens. You can save these for making stock or discard them.
* **Pat Dry:** Pat the hens dry inside and out with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
* **Truss the Hens (Optional):** Trussing the hens helps them cook more evenly and prevents the legs from splaying out during roasting. To truss, tuck the wing tips under the body of the hen. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together at the ankles.
**Step 2: Make the Garlic Rosemary Mixture**
* In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
* If using butter, melt it in a small bowl in the microwave or on the stovetop. Let it cool slightly.
**Step 3: Season the Hens**
* **Loosen the Skin (Optional):** Gently loosen the skin over the breast of each hen by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Be careful not to tear the skin.
* **Apply the Garlic Rosemary Mixture:** Rub the garlic rosemary mixture all over the outside of the hens, making sure to get some under the skin of the breast (if you loosened the skin). This will infuse the meat with flavor.
* **Add Butter (Optional):** If using butter, spread the melted butter under the skin of the breast. This will add extra richness and moisture to the meat.
* **Season the Cavity:** Sprinkle the inside of each hen with salt and pepper.
**Step 4: Roast the Cornish Game Hens**
* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* **Place Hens on Rack:** Place the seasoned hens on the rack in the roasting pan.
* **Add Liquid (Optional):** If you want to make a pan sauce, pour about ½ cup of chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will create steam and prevent the pan drippings from burning.
* **Roast:** Roast the hens for 45-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens with pan juices every 15-20 minutes to keep them moist and promote browning.
* **Check for Doneness:** The hens are done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork in the thigh and the meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
* **Rest:** Once the hens are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
* **Carve (Optional):** You can carve the hens by splitting them in half lengthwise or serving them whole.
* **Make Pan Sauce (Optional):** While the hens are resting, deglaze the roasting pan with a little extra chicken broth or white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly. Strain the sauce and serve it over the hens.
* **Serve:** Serve the Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens immediately. They are delicious with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Cornish Game Hens
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked Cornish game hens can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Baste Regularly:** Basting the hens with pan juices helps to keep them moist and promotes browning.
* **Let Them Rest:** Resting the hens before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Thyme, sage, and oregano are all delicious additions.
* **Brine the Hens (Optional):** Brining the hens before roasting will make them even more moist and flavorful. To brine, soak the hens in a saltwater solution for several hours or overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus are a classic pairing with Cornish game hens.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish.
* **Rice Pilaf:** Fluffy rice pilaf is a simple and elegant side that complements the flavors of the hens.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious side dish that’s packed with protein.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the hens.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan sauce.
Variations
* **Lemon Herb Cornish Game Hens:** Add more lemon zest and juice to the garlic rosemary mixture for a brighter, more citrusy flavor. You can also add other fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
* **Honey Garlic Cornish Game Hens:** Add a tablespoon or two of honey to the garlic rosemary mixture for a touch of sweetness.
* **Spicy Cornish Game Hens:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic rosemary mixture for a little heat.
* **Stuffed Cornish Game Hens:** Stuff the hens with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables before roasting.
* **Grilled Cornish Game Hens:** Grill the hens over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through. Baste with the garlic rosemary mixture while grilling.
* **Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens:** Air frying is an option, adjust cooking time accordingly.
Making Ahead and Storage
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the garlic rosemary mixture and season the hens up to 24 hours in advance. Store the seasoned hens in the refrigerator.
* **Storage:** Leftover Cornish game hens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, estimated):
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
Garlic Rosemary Cornish Game Hens are a delightful and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The aromatic blend of garlic and rosemary infuses the hens with a savory, herbaceous flavor that’s sure to please. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable meal!
Enjoy the process and the wonderful flavors of this beautiful dish! Bon appétit!