Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary: A Perfectly

There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving individually portioned roasted birds at dinner. Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary combines the elegance of restaurant dining with the comforting flavors of home cooking. I discovered this recipe years ago when searching for an impressive yet achievable main course for a dinner party, and it’s remained a staple in my cooking repertoire ever since.

When you place these golden-brown hens on the table, their crispy skin glistening with herb-infused olive oil, the aroma of garlic and fresh rosemary filling your dining room, your guests will think you’ve been cooking all day. Little will they know this easy Cornish game hens with garlic and rosemary recipe requires minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a special occasion dinner or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal, this best Cornish game hens with garlic and rosemary recipe delivers impressive results with surprising simplicity. The combination of fragrant herbs, pungent garlic, and bright lemon creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both sophisticated and approachable.

Why You’ll Love This Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

• ✅ This roasted Cornish game hens garlic rosemary marinade creates incredibly juicy meat with minimal effort
• ✅ Perfect for special occasions while being simple enough for weeknight cooking
• ✅ The garlic rosemary Cornish game hens dinner ideas are endless – serve with various sides for different meals
• ✅ Learning how to cook Cornish game hens with garlic and rosemary gives you a foolproof method for perfect results every time
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free and low-carb for those with dietary restrictions
• ✅ The best herbs for Cornish game hens with garlic create an aromatic experience that elevates the entire meal

Ingredients for Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

For this Cornish game hens garlic rosemary oven recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 Cornish hens (about 1.5 pounds each)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, cut into quarters
• 8 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (can substitute 2 tablespoons dried rosemary if necessary)
• 24 cloves garlic (about 2 heads), peeled but left whole
• ⅓ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Ingredient Tips:

• For the best flavor in your Cornish game hens with garlic and rosemary, choose fresh rather than frozen hens when possible
• If you’re watching sodium, you can reduce the amount of added salt as the rosemary and garlic provide plenty of flavor
• Don’t have white wine? Substitute with additional chicken broth and a tablespoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth

How to Make Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary – Step by Step

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high initial temperature helps create that beautiful crispy skin.

Step 2: Remove the Cornish hens from their packaging, drain any liquid, and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin on your garlic and rosemary stuffed Cornish game hens.

Step 3: Season the cavity of each hen generously with salt and pepper. Insert one lemon quarter and one sprig of rosemary into each cavity.

Creating the Garlic-Rosemary Infusion

Step 4: In a large roasting pan, combine the whole garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Chop 2 sprigs of rosemary finely and mix with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl.

Step 6: Brush the roasted Cornish game hens garlic rosemary marinade (the rosemary-infused oil) all over the outside of each bird. Make sure to get under the wings and legs.

Step 7: Season the outside of each hen generously with salt and pepper.

Roasting Process

Step 8:

 Arrange the hens breast-side up in the roasting pan, nestling them among the garlic cloves. Place the remaining rosemary sprigs around the hens.

Step 9:

 Roast at 450°F for 25 minutes until the skin begins to brown.

Step 10:

 Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 25-30 minutes more, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).

Making the Sauce

Step 11: 

Transfer the finished hens to a serving platter and tent loosely with foil to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 12: 

Place the roasting pan with the garlic and drippings over medium heat on the stovetop (if using a flame-safe pan) or transfer the contents to a saucepan.

Step 13:

 Add the white wine and chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 14: 

Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced. Mash about half of the garlic cloves with a fork to thicken the sauce.

Step 15:

 Strain the sauce if desired (or leave rustic with the garlic pieces) and serve alongside the rested hens.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

Learning the Cornish game hens garlic rosemary cooking tips from professional chefs can elevate your recipe:

• For extra-crispy skin, let the hens sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours before cooking to dry out the skin
• Don’t skimp on the garlic – the whole cloves become sweet and mellow during roasting
• When checking for doneness, insert the thermometer into the thigh without touching bone for an accurate reading
• For a more intense herb flavor, gently lift the skin and place additional chopped rosemary directly against the meat
• The slow-cooked Cornish game hens garlic rosemary method can be adapted by reducing oven temperature to 325°F and extending cooking time to 1 hour for even more tender meat

Can I make Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare everything up to Step 7, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just allow an extra 10 minutes of cooking time if starting from cold.

Best Ways to Serve Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

The flavorful sides for Cornish game hens with garlic can transform this dish into various dining experiences:

• For a rustic Mediterranean meal, serve with roasted potatoes and a simple arugula salad
• Create an elegant dinner party presentation by placing each hen on a bed of wild rice pilaf
• For a colorful plate, pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red onions
• Add a creamy element with mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the delicious pan sauce
• For a lighter option, serve with a lemony quinoa salad and steamed green vegetables

The beauty of this Cornish game hens garlic rosemary oven recipe is its versatility – it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Nutritional Information for Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

Per serving (1 hen with sauce):

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 640mg (varies based on amount of salt used)

This Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary recipe is naturally low-carb, making it suitable for keto and paleo diets. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary last in the fridge? Properly stored in airtight containers, leftovers will keep well for 3-4 days.

For freezing, remove the meat from the bones and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The roasted garlic can be frozen separately and used to flavor other dishes.

To reheat, the best method is to warm the meat gently in a covered dish with a splash of broth at 325°F until heated through (about 15 minutes). This prevents the meat from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cooking time for Cornish game hens?

The total cooking time for Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary is approximately 50-60 minutes: 25 minutes at 450°F followed by 25-30 minutes at 350°F. Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer reading 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

How do you properly season Cornish game hens?

The key to properly seasoning Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary is to season both the cavity and the exterior. Season the cavity first with salt and pepper, add aromatics (lemon and herbs), then season the outside generously before applying oils or marinades.

Can you use dried rosemary instead of fresh for Cornish game hens?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary in this Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary recipe. Use about 1/3 the amount called for (1 teaspoon dried equals about 1 tablespoon fresh). Dried rosemary works well but won’t provide quite the same aromatic quality as fresh.

What side dishes pair well with Cornish game hens?

The best side dishes for Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary include roasted potatoes, wild rice pilaf, steamed asparagus, roasted root vegetables, crusty bread for sauce-soaking, and bitter greens like arugula or kale to balance the richness of the hens.

Conclusion

Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary offers that rare combination of impressive presentation and straightforward preparation. The individual birds make portion control simple while creating an elegant dining experience that feels special without requiring advanced culinary skills.

The aromatic combination of garlic and rosemary infuses the tender meat, creating layers of flavor that belie the recipe’s simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to elevate a weekend dinner, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results.

I hope you’ll try this Cornish game hens garlic rosemary oven recipe and discover why it’s become a favorite for so many home cooks. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below! Did you try any variations? What sides did you serve with it? Share your experience cooking Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary and inspire others to create this wonderful dish.

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