This Cornish hen recipe uses fresh lemon and rosemary to flavor little game hens, roasted with a flavorful wine and garlic broth. Perfect for date night and dinner parties.
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
60 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Calories
814 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Step 2
Rub hens with 1 tablespoon olive oil; lightly season with salt and pepper. Stuff 1 lemon quarter and 1 rosemary sprig in each cavity. Place hens in a large, heavy roasting pan and arrange garlic cloves around them.
Step 3
Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 4
Meanwhile, whisk together wine, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl.
Step 5
Remove hens from the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 6
Pour wine mixture over the hens and immediately return to the oven.
Step 7
Continue roasting, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes, until hens are golden brown and juices run clear, about 25 more minutes.
Step 8
Transfer hens to a platter, pouring any cavity juices into the roasting pan. Discard lemons and rosemary. Tent hens with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Step 9
Transfer pan juices and garlic cloves to a medium saucepan; boil until reduced to a sauce consistency, about 6 minutes.
Step 10
Cut hens in half lengthwise and arrange two halves on each plate. Spoon sauce and garlic on top. Garnish with remaining rosemary sprigs and serve.
