Fresh Herb and Lemon Roasted Cornish Game Hens
This elegant dinner recipe features cornish game hens roasted to juicy perfection with a zesty lemon-herb marinade and garlic butter. A simple roasting process draws out the delicate flavor of the hens, enhanced with fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Ideal for a comforting family dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Marinade
- Basting
- Seasoning
Let’s make it
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the cornish game hens dry with paper towels, then season inside and out with salt and black pepper.
Marinade Preparation
In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and olive oil to make the marinade.
Marinating Hens
Rub the marinade generously all over the hens, including under the skin where possible, to infuse the flavors.
Basting
Mix the softened butter with a tablespoon of the herb marinade and brush this mixture all over the hens for added richness during roasting.
Roasting
Place the hens breast side up on a roasting pan or baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 to 55 minutes, basting occasionally with remaining butter marinade. The hens are done when the juices run clear and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
Resting
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips & notes
For best results, marinate the hens for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to deepen the flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness without overcooking.
Saving it for later
Store leftover cooked hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve moisture and texture.
