These hens will be golden and flavorful, with crispy skin and tender meat—a stunning main course.

These herb-roasted Cornish Hens with Lemon and Garlic are a refined yet approachable, perfect for any occasion and would do well for an Easter dinner. The blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest infuses the hens with bright, aromatic flavors, while the golden, crispy skin offers a delightful texture. Basting with pan juices keeps the meat tender and juicy, making every bite irresistible. To round out the meal, pair these hens with creamy scalloped potatoes, sweet honey-roasted carrots, and a vibrant spring salad with strawberries and feta cheese. These sides complement the hens’ flavors beautifully, creating an elegant and well-balanced feast.

Ingredients

• 4 Cornish hens (about 1.5 pounds each)
• 4 lemons (2 for zest and juice, 2 cut into wedges)
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the hens: Rinse the Cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the insides with salt and pepper.
3. Make the herb mixture: In a small bowl, mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice (from 2 lemons), and melted butter.
4. Stuff and brush the hens: Stuff each hen with a lemon wedge or two. Brush the herb mixture generously over the hens, ensuring they are well coated. Drizzle with olive oil and season the outside with salt and pepper.
5. Place in the roasting pan: Arrange the hens in a large roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep them moist during roasting.
6. Roast the hens: Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste with the pan juices every 15-20 minutes.
7. Rest and serve: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh thyme, if desired.

Metric equivalents

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