Heather's Citrus-and-Rosemary Cornish Game Hens

Name: Heather's Citrus-and-Rosemary Cornish Game Hens
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns; 4 whole Cornish Hen; 1 bunch Fresh Rosemary; 1 bunch Fresh Thyme; 1 whole Grapefruit; 1 whole Lemon; 1 whole Lime; 0.25 cup Olive Oil; 1 whole Orange Juice; 1 cup Salt; 1 dash Salt & Pepper; 4.5 cups Vegetable Broth; 4.5 cups Water; 1 tbsp Whole Allspice

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 American High-Protein 💪Low-Carb Gluten-Free Paleo 🦴Carnivore 🥩Halal 🕌Comfort-Food Anabolic Diet

Heather's Citrus-and-Rosemary Cornish Game Hens balance a fragrant spice brine with bright grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime, creating juicy meat and crisp, golden skin. Fresh rosemary and thyme add woodsy depth that complements the citrus. Serve for an elegant weekend dinner or a festive holiday meal when you want a centerpiece with vibrant flavor.

Prep20 mins
Cook1 hr 50 mins
Serves8
DifficultyMedium

1

In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth, 4 1/2 cups of water, the allspice berries, black peppercorns, and kosher salt to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt. Remove the brine from the heat and let it cool. When cool, place the Cornish hens in the brine and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the game hens from the brine and pat them dry. Discard the brine.
3

Place the cut-up grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, rosemary, and thyme in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High for 2 minutes. Using tongs, stuff the fruit and herbs into the cavities of the Cornish hens. Coat each hen with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Place the stuffed hens breast-side up in a roasting dish.
4

Roast in the preheated oven until the bone is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). For extra-crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.