Best 4 Honey Lemon Thyme Cornish Game Hens Recipes

For a delectable main course that exudes both flavor and elegance, look no further than honey lemon thyme cornish game hens. These succulent birds, known for their tender meat and delicate gamy flavor, are elevated to new heights with a tantalizing marinade of sweet honey, zesty lemon, and aromatic thyme. Roasted to perfection, the hens emerge from the oven with a crispy, golden-brown skin that encases succulent, juicy meat infused with a symphony of flavors. Whether you're hosting a special occasion dinner or simply seeking a memorable meal, honey lemon thyme cornish game hens are sure to impress and delight your taste buds.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS MARINATED IN HONEY AND MUSTARD

Roasted Cornish Game Hens Marinated in Honey and Mustard image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup grainy mustard
2 cloves garlic, chopped
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 Cornish game hens
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon

Steps:

Mix the honey, mustard, garlic, 3 tablespoons oil, thyme and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside. Remove the wing tips from the hens. Roll the hens in the marinade and marinate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Season the birds inside and out with salt and pepper. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze over each bird. Put a used lemon half in the cavity of each bird. Truss the birds.
Set a rack in a roasting pan and brush the rack with several tablespoons vegetable oil. Place the birds, breast side down on the oiled rack. Roast for 30 minutes. Turn the birds breast side up, reduce the heat to 350 degrees and roast an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the hens are cooked through and the skin is brown. Allow the hens to rest 10 minutes before serving.

LEMON-THYME CORNISH HENS

Lemon-Thyme Cornish Hens image

Now that I've retired from nursing, I have more time to cook and read. My husband loves Cornish hens made this way.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)

Steps:

In an bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Place hens on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Tuck wings under hen. Spoon half of butter sauce over hens. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 40-45 minutes or until juices run clear and a thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with remaining sauce.

Nutrition Facts :

FLATTENED CORNISH GAME HENS WITH GARLIC-CITRUS MARINADE

Flattened Cornish Game Hens With Garlic-citrus Marinade image

A delicious entree that is easy enough for a weekday dinner, yet pretty enough for a dinner party. Serve with stir-fried summer squash, a salad and french bread. The recipe comes from Bon Appetit.

Provided by Barb G.

Categories Chicken

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
fresh thyme, for garnish
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons lemons, zest of
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 rock cornish game hens, halved lengthwise

Steps:

Prepare BBQ (Medium heat).
Combine olive oil, chopped thyme, garlic,lemon peel, lime peel, honey, salt, and pepper in a baking dish and stir marinade to blend well.
Place hens on work surface and cover with plastic wrap and pound gently with mallet to flatten slightly.
Place hen halves in marinade in dish, using fingers, rub both sides of hens with marinade.
Let marinate 20 minutes at room temperature.
Grill hen halves until just cooked through and skin is lightly charred, brushing with remaining marinade, about 12 minutes per side.
Arrange hen on plates and garnish lemon wedges, lime wedges, and fresh thyme sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464, Fat 36.9, SaturatedFat 8.4, Cholesterol 168.3, Sodium 373.9, Carbohydrate 2.7, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 1.5, Protein 28.9

HONEY-HERB CORNISH GAME HENS

Honey-Herb Cornish Game Hens image

I saw this in a magazine and thought it looked absolutely delicious. It would make a very fancy romantic meal or even be great for a dinner party with friends. I love the idea of using Cornish hens because of the combo of dark and white meat. The hens are baked, but I want to try them on the grill when it gets warm.

Provided by Redneck Epicurean

Categories Whole Chicken

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

4 (1 1/2 lb) rock cornish game hens, 6 lbs total
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Rinse and pat dry hens. Cut out the backbone and split through the breastbone. Trim any excess skin or fat.
Place oil in a shallow pan and heat oven to 400 degrees.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, thyme, and oregano. Season hens with salt and pepper.
Once pan is heated, place hens skin side down and brush with half of the honey mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes. Flip hens and brush with remaining honey mixture. Bake 20-30 minutes longer, or until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees. Place on a platter.
Drain drippings into a fat separator or skim as much fat as possible. Serve with hens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 930.2, Fat 65.4, SaturatedFat 17.6, Cholesterol 446.1, Sodium 363.6, Carbohydrate 5, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 4.4, Protein 75.9

Tips:

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the herbs and citrus fruits, as they will contribute significantly to the overall flavor of the dish.
Brine the Cornish Game Hens: Brining the hens in a mixture of water, salt, and sugar helps tenderize the meat and lock in moisture, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
Stuffing Options: Feel free to customize the stuffing according to your preferences. Add more vegetables, herbs, or even nuts for a more complex flavor profile.
Roast at High Temperature: Initially roasting the hens at a high temperature helps to sear the skin and create a crispy texture, while reducing the temperature later ensures that the meat cooks evenly and remains succulent.
Basting is Key: Basting the hens with the flavorful pan juices throughout the roasting process helps keep them moist and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy meat.

Conclusion:

The Honey Lemon Thyme Cornish Game Hens are a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of lemon, and the aromatic freshness of thyme, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Perfect for special occasions or intimate dinners, these hens are sure to impress with their crispy skin, succulent meat, and vibrant stuffing. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe provides clear instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process, ensuring a flavorful and memorable culinary experience. Explore the world of flavors and techniques, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a dish that tantalizes your taste buds.