Best 2 Lemon Thyme Cornish Hens Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey with our tantalizing Lemon Thyme Cornish Hens, a delightful main course that exudes both elegance and rustic charm. These tender and flavorful hens are carefully seasoned with a zesty blend of lemon, thyme, garlic, and butter, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Roasted to golden-brown perfection, the hens are accompanied by a medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, which soak up all the flavorful juices from the hens. Indulge in this delectable dish that promises a memorable dining experience, perfect for special occasions or an unforgettable weeknight dinner.

In addition to the Lemon Thyme Cornish Hens, this article offers a diverse collection of recipes that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From the classic Herb Roasted Turkey, perfect for holiday gatherings, to the succulent Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, ideal for summer barbecues, these recipes showcase the versatility of poultry. Whether you desire a comforting Chicken Pot Pie or a flavorful Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry, this article has something for every poultry enthusiast.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HONEY-LEMON-THYME CORNISH GAME HENS

Honey-Lemon-Thyme Cornish Game Hens image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h13m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
4 (1-pound each) Cornish game hens, spatchcocked*
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
5 lemons, 4 juiced, 1 thinly sliced
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Rinse the hens well under cool running water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Melt the butter with the chopped fresh thyme in a small saucepan. In a small bowl, combine the juice of 4 lemons, honey, and soy sauce. Add the melted thyme butter and mix to combine. Reserve.
Heat a large cast iron pan on medium heat. Coat the bottom of the pan with olive oil.
Generously salt and pepper the hens and lay them skin-side down in the hot pan. Sear 4 minutes each side.
Pour 1/3 of the glaze on the bottom of a 9 by 13 baking dish. Transfer the hens, and their pan drippings, to the baking dish. Pour the remaining glaze over the hens and place in the oven for 30 minutes or until a thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove the dish from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with the sliced lemon and fresh thyme sprigs, and serve.

LEMON-THYME CORNISH HENS

Lemon-Thyme Cornish Hens image

Now that I've retired from nursing, I have more time to cook and read. My husband loves Cornish hens made this way.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)

Steps:

In an bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Place hens on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Tuck wings under hen. Spoon half of butter sauce over hens. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 40-45 minutes or until juices run clear and a thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with remaining sauce.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

Mise en place: Prepare all the ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to make the process smoother and more efficient.
Choose a suitable cooking dish: Use a roasting pan or baking dish that is large enough to accommodate the Cornish hens without overcrowding.
Season the hens thoroughly: Season the hens generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Stuff the hens: Stuff the hens with the desired ingredients, such as lemon slices, thyme sprigs, and garlic cloves, to enhance the flavor.
Truss the hens: Trussing the hens will help them keep their shape during cooking and prevent the filling from falling out.
Roast the hens at a high temperature: Roasting the hens at a high temperature will help to brown the skin and seal in the juices.
Reduce the heat and continue roasting: After the hens have browned, reduce the heat and continue roasting until they are cooked through.
Let the hens rest before serving: Allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion:

Lemon-thyme Cornish hens are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. They are easy to prepare and can be roasted in the oven or grilled. The combination of lemon and thyme flavors is a classic and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are serving them for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal, lemon-thyme Cornish hens are sure to be a hit.