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Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 American High-Protein 💪Sugar-FreeGluten-FreeComfort-FoodAnabolic Diet

Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary deliver juicy, tender meat under crackling skin, perfumed with lemon, rosemary, and loads of mellow roasted garlic. A quick pan reduction of wine, broth, and drippings turns into a savory sauce that ties everything together. Ideal for a special dinner or holiday table, yet straightforward enough for a relaxed weekend meal.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook1 hr
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyMedium
Cornish Game Hens with Garlic and Rosemary
  1. 1

    Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Rub the Cornish hens with 1 tablespoon olive oil; lightly season with salt and pepper. Stuff 1 lemon quarter and 1 rosemary sprig into each cavity. Place the hens in a large, heavy roasting pan and scatter the garlic cloves around them.

  3. 3

    Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the wine, chicken broth, and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil together in a small bowl.

  4. 4

    Remove the hens from the oven; lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Pour the wine mixture over the hens and continue roasting, basting with the pan juices every 10 minutes, until the hens are golden brown and the juices run clear, about 25 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

  5. 5

    Transfer the hens to a platter, pouring any cavity juices into the roasting pan; discard the lemons and rosemary. Tent the hens with aluminum foil to keep them warm.

  6. 6

    Pour the pan juices and garlic cloves into a medium saucepan; boil until reduced to a sauce consistency, about 6 minutes.

  7. 7

    Spoon the sauce and roasted garlic on top. Garnish with the remaining rosemary sprigs and serve.