Roasted Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish Hens, ah, a delight for any dining table! These tiny birds, full of flavor and charm, are a perfect choice for any intimate dinner or festive occasion. You’ll be doing a crowd-pleaser once you taste the crunchiness on the outside while savoring the succulent meat inside. It’s mouthwatering, folks, to say just that!

It not only suits a fine dining experience but also makes a wonderful Sunday night dinner. Irresistibly tasty with minimal effort, these hens are sure to bring joy to their meals, be it family gatherings or candlelit dinners. If ‘simple yet elegant’ is your mantra, then you are in the right place!

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 Hens

Without further ado lets dive right into the making process and I promise you’ll be drooling by the end of it.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 4 Cornish game hens
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and ground black pepper

You’ll also need a large roasting pan and a cooking thermometer.

The lemon and rosemary give it a great aroma and flavor. Olive oil, salt, and pepper give the perfect taste to the skin. Make sure to buy fresh ingredients for best results.

How To Make Roasted Cornish Hens

1. First, preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2. Rinse the hens and pat dry. Rub hens with lemon quarters, then stuff them with the same, along with rosemary sprigs.
3. Arrange hens in a large roasting pan using any leftover rosemary and lemon in the pan. Drizzle hens with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper.
4. Roast hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the thermometer reads 165 degrees F.
5. Allow hens to rest before serving for a juicy result.

Tips For The Best Results

• Don���t skip pre-salting the hens if you have time. It helps to tenderize and flavor the hens, and promote a crispy skin.
• Keep hens from drying out by placing a small ramekin of water in the oven along with the hens.

Storage Tips

• Store the leftover hens in a container with a tight lid. Properly stored, they will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• To further extend the shelf life, freeze them; properly stored, they will maintain the best quality for about 4 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other herbs in place of rosemary?
A: Yes, you can use herbs such as thyme, sage, or marjoram to get different flavors.

Q: Can I use frozen Cornish hens?
A: Yes, but be sure to completely thaw them before roasting to ensure even cooking.

Q: How long to roast Cornish hens?
A: At 375 degrees F, about 1 hour.

Q: Can I use chicken in place of Cornish hens?
A: Yes, you can. The cooking time will alter according to the size and weight of the chicken.

Q: What side dish goes with Cornish hens?
A: Any salad, mashed potatoes or quickly saut��ed greens would perfectly pair with the hens.

Nutritional Facts of Roasted Cornish Hens

• Calories: 409
• Total Fat: 32g
• Cholesterol: 137mg
• Sodium: 644mg

In conclusion, these roasted Cornish hens make an elegant and deceivingly simple dinner. Whether you’re setting a romantic vibe or just feeding the fam, this gem of a meal is your bet! Give it a light wine gravy on top, pair it with your favorite sides and there you go, cheers to a terrific feast!