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Crispy Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hens Easy Garlic Lemon Recipe

crispy herb-roasted Cornish game hens - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy, herb-roasted Cornish game hens with a bright garlic and lemon flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, it features juicy meat and crackling skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
  • 6 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, olive oil, melted butter (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels.
  4. Gently loosen the skin from the breast meat without tearing it. Rub half of the herb-garlic mixture under the skin.
  5. Massage the remaining herb mixture all over the outside of the birds.
  6. Stuff each hen’s cavity with a few lemon slices and a couple of onion quarters.
  7. Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Scatter remaining onion quarters around the pan.
  8. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  9. Optional: Baste the hens once halfway through roasting with pan juices or additional melted butter for extra crispy skin.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the birds dry before applying the herb mixture is essential for crispy skin. Loosen the skin to rub herb mixture underneath for juicy, flavorful meat. Rest hens after roasting to redistribute juices. If skin browns too fast, tent with foil. Rotate pan halfway through roasting for even cooking. For dairy-free, omit butter or use plant-based alternative. Reheat leftovers in oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cornish game hens, herb roasted, garlic lemon, crispy skin, easy dinner, holiday recipe, family meal

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-herb-roasted-cornish-game-hens-easy-garlic-lemon-recipe/