Best 2 Lemon Thyme Cornish Hens Recipes

If you are looking for an easy and delicious way to cook cornish hens, look no further than lemon thyme cornish hens. This dish is a flavorful and juicy twist on the classic roasted chicken dinner. The combination of lemon and thyme creates a bright and vibrant flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the tender meat of the cornish hens pairs perfectly with the citrusy sauce. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, lemon thyme cornish hens are sure to please everyone at the table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HONEY-LEMON-THYME CORNISH GAME HENS

Honey-Lemon-Thyme Cornish Game Hens image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h13m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
4 (1-pound each) Cornish game hens, spatchcocked*
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
5 lemons, 4 juiced, 1 thinly sliced
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Rinse the hens well under cool running water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Melt the butter with the chopped fresh thyme in a small saucepan. In a small bowl, combine the juice of 4 lemons, honey, and soy sauce. Add the melted thyme butter and mix to combine. Reserve.
Heat a large cast iron pan on medium heat. Coat the bottom of the pan with olive oil.
Generously salt and pepper the hens and lay them skin-side down in the hot pan. Sear 4 minutes each side.
Pour 1/3 of the glaze on the bottom of a 9 by 13 baking dish. Transfer the hens, and their pan drippings, to the baking dish. Pour the remaining glaze over the hens and place in the oven for 30 minutes or until a thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove the dish from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with the sliced lemon and fresh thyme sprigs, and serve.

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 :

Tips:

Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will give your dish the best flavor.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Lemon and thyme are a classic combination, but you can also try other herbs and spices, such as rosemary, sage, or tarragon.
Cook the Cornish hens until they are cooked through, but not overcooked. The meat should be tender and juicy.
Let the Cornish hens rest for a few minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Serve the Cornish hens with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad are all good options.

Conclusion:

Lemon thyme Cornish hens are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will impress your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.