Cornish Game Hens
Cornish Game Hens are small birds coated in a lemony garlic and rosemary mixture, stuffed with more lemon, garlic, and rosemary, and baked over red potatoes and onions.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cornish Game Hens
Servings: 4
Calories: 390kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iamhomesteader.com
Vegetables
- 1 pound (5-6 medium) red potatoes, rinsed and quartered
- 2 small yellow onions, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Game Hens
- 1 large lemon, cut in half lengthwise, divided
- 2 Cornish game hens, 1½ pounds each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cavity Fillings
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided
- 1 head garlic, paper removed (about 8-10 cloves), divided
Game Hens
Cut the lemon in half lengthwise. Juice ½ of the lemon for the oil mixture (you will need about a tablespoon of lemon juice). Slice the second half of the lemon into 4 wedges, lengthwise, to be inserted into the cavities of the game hens.
Place game hens breast side up on top of the vegetables.
In a medium bowl combine oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture on the outside and inside the cavity of the hens.
Insert 2 lemon wedges, 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, and about 4 garlic cloves into the cavity of each hen.
Tuck wing tips under the hen to prevent burning and use cooking twine to tie the drumsticks together.
Roast the game hens in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the hens are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F and potatoes are fork-tender.
Transfer the hens to a serving platter and tent with foil. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve warm.
Calories: 390kcal