Rosemary Lemon Roasted Game Hens a Sophisticated Sunday Supper
- Recipe Introduction
- Why You'll Love This Roast Cornish Hen Recipe
- What Makes These Game Hens So Good?
- Let's Talk Ingredients!
- Tips for the Perfect Game Hen Recipe
- Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for Deliciousness
- Prep Steps for Perfectly Roasted Game Hen Recipes
- How to Cook Cornish Game Hens Like a Pro
- Pro Tips for the Best Game Hen Recipe
- Recipe Notes: Let's Chat About These Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hens
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what to cook for a sophisticated but easy Sunday roast? I've got you. These game hen recipes are seriously delicious! It's all about the bright lemon and herbaceous rosemary.
Brief Overview
Roast Cornish hen recipes are a British classic, perfect for Sunday lunch. It is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.
This Roast Cornish Hen recipe takes just over an hour and serves two.
Main Benefits
These oven-roasted Cornish Game Hens are packed with protein and flavour! They're perfect for a special occasion or just a fancy weeknight meal.
Honestly, this Best Game Hen Recipe is my go-to when I want something a bit special without too much fuss.
Why You'll Love This Roast Cornish Hen Recipe
Okay, let's be real. Roasting a whole chicken can feel like a massive undertaking. But a Crispy Skin Cornish Hen Recipe ? That's totally manageable.
Plus, the presentation is chef's kiss . I remember the first time I made it, I felt like I'd unlocked a secret level of cooking.
What Makes These Game Hens So Good?
It's the lemon and rosemary, innit? This is a classic pairing that elevates the humble game hen recipes into something truly special.
The game hen marinade is super simple, but it infuses the meat with so much flavour. Plus, the crispy skin? Oh my gosh!
Let's Talk Ingredients!
You'll need two Cornish game hens, obviously. Get some lemons, fresh rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. Salt, pepper, and a bit of melted butter are essential too.
Got some white wine knocking about? Use that for deglazing the pan.
Tips for the Perfect Game Hen Recipe
Remember to pat those hens dry before marinating. This helps get that super crispy skin! Also, don't overcrowd the roasting pan.
Give those How To Cook Cornish Game Hens enough space to brown evenly. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure they're cooked through.
Safety first , always!
Remember to use these referral link : https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/219558/roasted game-hens/
Alright, let's talk shop about what you'll need for these beautiful little birds! Honestly, these Rosemary & Lemon Roasted Game Hens are so simple but taste like you've been slaving away for hours.
Trust me, nobody will suspect a thing!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for Deliciousness
So, let's get down to brass tacks. These Cornish Game Hen Recipes really shine when you have the right ingredients.
And yeah, a few key pieces of equipment help too. Let's dive in!
Main Ingredients: What You Need to Get Started
Alright, here's the shopping list for two servings. Remember, this Best Game Hen Recipe starts with quality!
- 2 Cornish game hens (about 1-1.25 lbs each): Look for plump hens. Skin should be smooth and pale, not bruised or discolored.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil: Extra virgin is always a good shout.
- 2 lemons : One for zest and juice, the other quartered. Go for the ones that feel heavy for their size!
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary : Get the freshest you can find.
- 2 cloves garlic , minced: Freshly minced makes a world of difference.
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt: Don't skimp on the salt!
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper: Freshly ground is the way to go.
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) unsalted butter, melted: Adds that extra richness!
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional): For deglazing the pan and making a delish sauce.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs Away!
This Roast Cornish Hen Recipe hinges on the right balance of flavors.
Lemon and rosemary? Absolute classic! The citrus cuts through the richness of the hen. The rosemary gives it that earthy, herby note.
Garlic just makes everything better, you know? No rosemary? A teaspoon of dried rosemary will do in a pinch. For a different take, try thyme or sage.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Don't stress about fancy gadgets. This is about flavour, not showing off!
- Roasting pan: A decent one is key for even cooking.
- Kitchen twine (optional): Helps truss the hens, but not essential.
- Meat thermometer: This is a must ! (165° F/ 74° C in the thickest part of the thigh)
- Basting brush: For that golden, crispy skin, this Crispy Skin Cornish Hen Recipe relies on it.
Honestly, that's it. If you don't have kitchen twine, don't sweat it. Just tuck the legs in a bit. No basting brush? A spoon will do the trick.
Remember, this Sunday Roast Game Hen recipe is all about having fun and making something delicious!
These Game Hen Recipes will be your absolute favourite now!
Alright, let's talk Roast Cornish Hen Recipe ! Honestly, a Sunday Roast Game Hen can feel fancy, but it's actually super easy to nail.
This Rosemary & Lemon Roasted Game Hens recipe is my go-to for impressing mates without spending hours in the kitchen.
I promise, it's a winner.
Prep Steps for Perfectly Roasted Game Hen Recipes
First things first: mise en place! It's just a fancy way of saying get everything ready. Chop your rosemary, zest your lemons, mince that garlic.
Trust me, this essential mise en place makes life easier. We're talking about 2 Cornish game hens after all; we need to treat them with respect.
Got your ingredients prepped? Good! Now, this is time saving organization tip : Measure out your spices and marinade stuff in advance.
You can even make the marinade the night before! And a quick safety reminder: wash your hands after handling raw chicken! We don't want any dodgy tummies!
How to Cook Cornish Game Hens Like a Pro
- Pat those game hens dry with paper towels. Seriously, the drier the better for Crispy Skin Cornish Hen Recipe perfection. Truss the legs if you want.
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper for the Game Hen Marinade .
- Massage that marinade all over the hens, inside and out. Stuff lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs inside. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Crank your oven to 425° F ( 220° C) .
- Pop the hens in a roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes .
- Turn the oven down to 375° F ( 190° C) and baste with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Roast another 25- 35 minutes , basting every 10. The internal temp should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Let 'em rest for 10 minutes before carving. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup white wine for a delish pan sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Game Hen Recipe
Dry skin is the secret! I mean really really pat that Game Hen Recipes dry. The drier, the crispier. This avoids soggy chicken.
Don't overcrowd the pan! Give those hens some space to breathe, otherwise they'll steam instead of roast.
Common mistake? Overcooking! Use a meat thermometer. This is the How To Cook Cornish Game Hens key. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
make-ahead? You can marinate the hens the night before for maximum flavor. Just be sure to store them properly in the fridge.
Now go on and get roasting! This recipe will make a smashing Roasted Cornish Hen with Lemon and Rosemary . You got this!.
Recipe Notes: Let's Chat About These oven-roasted Cornish Game Hens
Right, so you're thinking about making these Rosemary & Lemon Roasted Game Hens ? Ace! Here are a few things I learned along the way.
Honestly, these little birds can be a bit temperamental, but don't let that put you off! With these tips, you'll nail it.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so these game hen recipes look fab, right? But how do you make them really pop? Plating is key.
Picture this: your beautifully browned roasted cornish hen with lemon and rosemary sitting on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, next to some vibrant green beans.
For drinks, I reckon a crisp Sauvignon Blanc would be spot on. Or, if you're feeling fancy, a light bodied Pinot Noir. The acidity cuts through the richness of the hen.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!
Right, leftovers. If you're lucky enough to have any, here's how to deal with them.
- Refrigeration: Pop any leftover Cornish game hen recipes in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be grand for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked game hen. Just wrap it well in cling film and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It'll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: The microwave works for a quick lunch, but honestly, the best way is to reheat them in the oven. Just pop them in at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Baste them with a bit of chicken broth to keep them moist.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a twist? Here are some ideas for adapting this best game hen recipe .
- Herb Swap: Not feeling rosemary? Thyme or sage work brilliantly. Or if you don't have lemon, orange does the trick as well.
- dairy-free: Swap the butter for olive oil when basting for a dairy-free Sunday roast game hen .
Nutrition Basics: Food for Thought
Each serving of this roast cornish hen recipe has roughly 750 calories. You're looking at around 65g of protein and 50g of fat.
Not too shabby, eh? It's also a good source of Vitamin B6 and phosphorus. But remember, this is just an estimate.
Alright, so hopefully, these notes have you feeling confident. Don't be scared to get stuck in, and remember: cooking should be fun. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a game hen, and how is it different from a regular chicken?
A Cornish game hen is a young, small breed of chicken, typically weighing around 1-2 pounds. They're known for their delicate flavor and tenderness, making them a bit more posh than your average chicken! Think of them as the cocktail sausage of the poultry world small, but packs a flavour punch.
How do I know when my Rosemary & Lemon Roasted Game Hens are cooked through? I don't want a culinary disaster!
The best way to ensure they're cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remember, nobody wants a dry bird, so don't overcook it!
You can always put it back in the oven for a few more minutes, but you can't undo overcooking.
Can I prep these Rosemary & Lemon Roasted Game Hens ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! In fact, it's a great idea to marinate the game hens overnight. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, making them even more delicious. Just be sure to keep them properly refrigerated and bring them out about 30 minutes before roasting to take the chill off.
I'm looking for different game hen recipes! What other flavor combinations work well?
The possibilities are endless! Try a honey garlic glaze for a sweet and savory option, or go for a Mediterranean vibe with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. You could even try a spicy version with chili powder and cumin. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your signature game hen recipe!
How do I store leftover roasted game hen, and how long will it last? Waste not, want not, as my Grandma always said!
Store leftover game hen in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating you can pop it back in the oven, microwave it, or shred it and add it to a salad or sandwich. This ensures it stays safe and delicious!
Are Cornish game hens healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
Cornish game hens are a good source of protein and essential nutrients. As with any meat, moderation is key, especially considering the fat content. Roasting without the skin is one way to lower the fat content. Balance your meal with plenty of vegetables for a healthy and delicious feast!
Rosemary Lemon Roasted Game Hens A Sophisticated
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 50g |
