Best 6 Cornish Hens With Lemon And Herbs Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Cornish Hens with Lemon and Herbs: A Flavorful and Easy-to-Make Dish**

Cornish hens are small, flavorful poultry that can be roasted, grilled, or fried. In this recipe, they are roasted with a flavorful blend of lemon, herbs, and butter. The result is a juicy, tender chicken with a crispy skin that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe also includes three additional Cornish hen recipes to satisfy different tastes and preferences:

* **Cornish Hens with Lemon and Thyme:** This classic recipe combines the bright flavor of lemon with the earthy aroma of thyme, creating a balanced and refreshing dish.
* **Honey Garlic Cornish Hens:** For those who love sweet and savory flavors, this recipe uses honey, garlic, and soy sauce to create a sticky and flavorful glaze.
* **Roasted Cornish Hens with Vegetables:** This hearty recipe includes a medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, along with the Cornish hens. It's a complete meal in one pan.

Whether you're looking for a simple yet elegant main course or a more elaborate meal, these Cornish hen recipes have something for everyone. Gather your ingredients and let's get cooking!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CORNISH HENS WITH LEMON AND HERBS



Cornish Hens with Lemon and Herbs image

For more-generous portions, cook one hen per person. If you do, use two roasting pans, and double the other ingredients.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 Cornish hens (about 1 3/4 pounds each), room temperature, rinsed well and patted dry
1 bunch fresh thyme (about 1/2 ounce), plus more for garnish
2 lemons, halved, plus wedges for serving
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place hens in a roasting pan, breast sides up. Place 2 thyme sprigs and 1 lemon half in cavity of each hen. Loosen skin from breast, and place remaining thyme and the parsley underneath. Squeeze remaining lemon halves over hens. Rub butter all over hens. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Roast hens, rotating pan halfway through, until skin turns golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180 degrees, 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut hens in half lengthwise. Garnish with thyme sprigs, and serve with lemon wedges.

HERB-STUFFED ROASTED CORNISH HENS



Herb-Stuffed Roasted Cornish Hens image

If you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table, we suggest this moist Cornish game hen recipe. A blend of sage, lemon, onion and garlic give this entree outstanding flavor. -Taste of Home Cooking School

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
12 fresh sage leaves
4 lemon wedges
6 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths, divided
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
6 small red potatoes, halved

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Gently lift skin from hen breasts and place sage leaves under skin. Place lemon wedges and a third of the onions in the cavities. Tuck wings under hens; tie legs together. Place in a small greased roasting pan. , Combine butter, oil, lemon juice and garlic; spoon half of mixture over hens. Sprinkle with salt and pepper., Bake 30 minutes. Add potatoes and remaining onions to pan. Brush hens with remaining butter mixture. Bake until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175° and potatoes are tender, 40-45 minutes longer., Remove hens to a serving platter. Stir potatoes and onions to coat with pan drippings. Serve with hens.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 67 g fat (22 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 379 mg cholesterol, Sodium 1,398 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29 g carbohydrate, Fiber 4 g fiber, Protein 63 g protein.

LEMON AND HERB CORNISH HENS



Lemon and Herb Cornish Hens image

Wonderful grilled Cornish Hen recipe! Prep and Cook time do not include the 8 hours of marinating time!

Provided by breezermom

Categories     Poultry

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 Cornish hens, Split (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lb each)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried whole thyme, crushed
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
2 teaspoons dried whole rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Place the split hens in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
  • Combine the lemon juice and the remaining ingredients; stir well with a wire whisk. Pour the marinade mixture over the hens. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, turning occasionally.
  • Prepare your grill so that you have medium-hot coals (350 to 400 degrees).
  • Drain the hens, reserving the marinade. Place the marinade in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Grill the hens over medium-hot coals (350 to 400 degrees) for 30 minutes or until done, turning and basting occasionally with the marinade.

HERBED CORNISH HENS



Herbed Cornish Hens image

The refreshing sauce Mom makes with thyme, lemon juice and butter gives these hens savory flavor throughout. The seasonings in this recipe also work great on a whole roasted chicken. Either way, the result is a mouthwatering feast.-Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
1-1/4 teaspoons seasoned salt, divided
1-1/8 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place the hens on a wire rack in a large roasting pan. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, butter, paprika and 1 teaspoon each of thyme, seasoned salt and garlic powder. Pour half over the hens; set the remaining mixture aside for basting. Combine salt, pepper and remaining thyme, seasoned salt and garlic powder; sprinkle over hens. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes. Baste with reserved lemon juice mixture. Bake 30 minutes longer, basting occasionally, or until the meat is tender and juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts :

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH HERBS



Cornish Game Hens With Herbs image

Make and share this Cornish Game Hens With Herbs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Derf2440

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

16 cloves, garlic, peeled
16 lemon wedges
8 small Cornish hens, about 1 lb. each
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon soft non-hydrogenated margarine

Steps:

  • Place 2 whole garlic cloves and 2 lemon wedges in each hen.
  • In a small bowl, combine oil,smashed garlic, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Gently separate skin from breast and thigh of each hen and rub meat with herb mixture.
  • Rub any extra over skin.
  • Arrange birds on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast birds in a preheated 400°F oven for 45 minutes or until well browned and cooked through.
  • Baste occasionally.
  • Place birds on a platter and transfer pan juices to measuring cup.
  • To make sauce, remove fat from pan juices.
  • Place juices in a saucepan with stock, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil.
  • Cook a few minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour and margarine.
  • Stir into sauce and cook until just slightly thickened.
  • Adjust seasonings.
  • Serve hens with sauce on the side.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH GARLIC AND ROSEMARY



Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary image

Crusty garlic bread and a nice light Chianti wine complement this meal very well.

Provided by MOONANDBACK

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Cornish Hen Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

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

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Rub hens with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Lightly season hens with salt and pepper. Place 1 lemon wedge and 1 sprig rosemary in cavity of each hen. Arrange in a large, heavy roasting pan, and arrange garlic cloves around hens. Roast in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together wine, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil; pour over hens. Continue roasting about 25 minutes longer, or until hens are golden brown and juices run clear. Baste with pan juices every 10 minutes.
  • Transfer hens to a platter, pouring any cavity juices into the roasting pan. Tent hens with aluminum foil to keep warm. Transfer pan juices and garlic cloves to a medium saucepan and boil until liquids reduce to a sauce consistency, about 6 minutes. Cut hens in half lengthwise and arrange on plates. Spoon sauce and garlic around hens. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 814.3 calories, Carbohydrate 9.7 g, Cholesterol 339.7 mg, Fat 57.5 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 59.4 g, SaturatedFat 14.6 g, Sodium 1382.6 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

Tips:

  • Prep Your Cornish Hens: Before you start cooking, make sure to remove any excess fat or giblets from the hens. You can also truss the hens to help them cook evenly.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage will give your hens a delicious flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use half the amount.
  • Don't Overcook the Hens: Cornish hens are small, so they don't take long to cook. Overcooking will make them dry and tough. A good rule of thumb is to cook the hens for about 18-20 minutes per pound.
  • Let the Hens Rest: Once the hens are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
  • Serve with Your Favorite Sides: Cornish hens can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. You can also add a simple sauce, such as a lemon-herb sauce or a pan gravy.

Conclusion:

Cornish hens are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion. With their delicate flavor and quick cooking time, they are a great choice for a weeknight meal or a special dinner party. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Cornish hens turn out perfect every time.

Related Topics