Best 10 Roast Cornish Hens With Herbs And Pancetta Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to discover the art of preparing roast cornish hens, where succulent flavor meets tender perfection. This article presents a delectable recipe that combines succulent cornish hens with the savory essence of herbs and the crispy allure of pancetta. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that promises to elevate your dining experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ROASTED CORNISH HENS



Roasted Cornish Hens image

These Roasted Cornish Hens will be your new favorite recipe for romantic date nights or to impress dinner party guests. They're simple, elegant, and turn out perfectly every time with my easy step-by-step instructions.

Provided by Joanna Cismaru

Categories     Dinner     Main Course

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 whole Cornish hens (about 1 1/2 lb each)
2 sprigs rosemary
4 sprigs thyme
1 large onion (cut in quarters)
6 cloves garlic
1 lemon (cut in slices)
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Combine all the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Pat the hens dry with paper towels and generously season with the dry rub both inside and out.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • In a roasting pan add the rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion, and half the lemon slices. Place the hens in the roasting pan over the herbs and onions and drizzle the olive oil over the hens.
  • Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers at 165°F.
  • Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 20 minutes. Garnish with additional thyme, lemon slices and rosemary and serve over mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 0.5 hen, Calories 783 kcal, Carbohydrate 10 g, Protein 60 g, Fat 55 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 344 mg, Sodium 796 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 2 g

HERB-ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS



Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hens image

These cornish game hens are simple to prepare and taste heavenly. Roasted in the oven with herbs it makes an elegant dish.

Provided by SueVM

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 Cornish hens
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Steps:

  • Place hens breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
  • In a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients.
  • Brush over hens and bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until juices run clear.

HERB ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS



Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Time 1h7m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon grill seasoning
1/2 cup red wine vinegrette dressing
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves, plus 4 sprigs
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus 4 sprigs
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus 4 sprigs
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus 4 sprigs
4 Cornish game hens, rinsed
1 lemon, cut in quarters
1 (16-ounce) bag baby carrots
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions, thawed
1/2 pound red potatoes, cut into small chunks
Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and put a baking rack on top.
  • Mix together the grill seasoning, dressing, and chopped herbs in a small bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons. Generously rub the hens inside and out with the herb and dressing mixture. Stuff each hen with a sprig of each herb and a piece of lemon.
  • In a large bowl, combine the carrots, onions and potatoes with the reserved 2 tablespoons of dressing mixture, a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Put the vegetables in a large roasting pan and arrange the hens on top. Roast them until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer registers 180 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, about 50 to 55 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, cover with foil and let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer the hens to a large serving tray with the roasted vegetables.

ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS



Roasted Cornish Game Hens image

Go for a different kind of bird by stuffing and cooking the Neelys' Roasted Cornish Game Hens recipe from Down Home with the Neelys on Food Network.

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon-pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 Cornish game hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each, rinsed and dried thoroughly
1 green bell pepper, large dice
2 stalks celery, large dice
1 onion, large dice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a small mixing bowl, stir together salt, lemon pepper, dried basil and poultry seasoning. Rub olive oil all over the hens and season each with the salt mixture. Place the hens on a baking sheet pan with plenty of space between them. You may need to use 2 pans. Loosely stuff the cavities of each hen with some green bell pepper, celery and onion. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F and the juices run clear. Remove the hens from the oven, loosely tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before carving or serving.

CORNISH HENS WITH LEMON AND HERBS



Cornish Hens with Lemon and Herbs image

For more-generous portions, cook one hen per person. If you do, use two roasting pans, and double the other ingredients.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 Cornish hens (about 1 3/4 pounds each), room temperature, rinsed well and patted dry
1 bunch fresh thyme (about 1/2 ounce), plus more for garnish
2 lemons, halved, plus wedges for serving
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place hens in a roasting pan, breast sides up. Place 2 thyme sprigs and 1 lemon half in cavity of each hen. Loosen skin from breast, and place remaining thyme and the parsley underneath. Squeeze remaining lemon halves over hens. Rub butter all over hens. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Roast hens, rotating pan halfway through, until skin turns golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180 degrees, 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut hens in half lengthwise. Garnish with thyme sprigs, and serve with lemon wedges.

HERBED CORNISH HENS



Herbed Cornish Hens image

The refreshing sauce Mom makes with thyme, lemon juice and butter gives these hens savory flavor throughout. The seasonings in this recipe also work great on a whole roasted chicken. Either way, the result is a mouthwatering feast.-Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
1-1/4 teaspoons seasoned salt, divided
1-1/8 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place the hens on a wire rack in a large roasting pan. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, butter, paprika and 1 teaspoon each of thyme, seasoned salt and garlic powder. Pour half over the hens; set the remaining mixture aside for basting. Combine salt, pepper and remaining thyme, seasoned salt and garlic powder; sprinkle over hens. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes. Baste with reserved lemon juice mixture. Bake 30 minutes longer, basting occasionally, or until the meat is tender and juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts :

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH PANCETTA, JUNIPER BERRIES AND BEETS



Cornish Game Hens with Pancetta, Juniper Berries and Beets image

Sauté any remaining greens from the beets to serve on the side with the [lentils with port-glazed shallots](/recipes/food/views/103018) . A Moulin-à-Vent is the wine of choice; purchased cheesecake topped with cherries marinated in brandy and sugar is a scrumptious finale.

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 medium beets with greens, beets peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, greens finely chopped
1/2 pound 1/4-inch-thick pancetta,* finely chopped
1 tablespoon juniper berries, coarsely chopped
4 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-pound Cornish game hens, giblets removed
3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Position 1 rack in top third of oven and second rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 375°F. Mix 1 1/2 cups chopped beet greens, pancetta and juniper berries in medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Fill hen cavities with pancetta mixture, dividing equally. Tie hen legs together. Place hens in heavy large roasting pan. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over hens. Sprinkle hens with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
  • Roast hens on bottom rack in oven until golden and juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toss chopped beets with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil on heavy large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange beets in single layer. Roast beets on top rack in oven until tender and beginning to caramelize, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.
  • Transfer hens to plates. Remove string. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of roasting pan. Pour pan juices through sieve into 2-cup glass measuring cup. Spoon fat off top of pan juices.
  • Spoon beets around hens. Drizzle pan juices around hens and serve.

HERB-STUFFED ROASTED CORNISH HENS



Herb-Stuffed Roasted Cornish Hens image

If you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table, we suggest this moist Cornish game hen recipe. A blend of sage, lemon, onion and garlic give this entree outstanding flavor. -Taste of Home Cooking School

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
12 fresh sage leaves
4 lemon wedges
6 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths, divided
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
6 small red potatoes, halved

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Gently lift skin from hen breasts and place sage leaves under skin. Place lemon wedges and a third of the onions in the cavities. Tuck wings under hens; tie legs together. Place in a small greased roasting pan. , Combine butter, oil, lemon juice and garlic; spoon half of mixture over hens. Sprinkle with salt and pepper., Bake 30 minutes. Add potatoes and remaining onions to pan. Brush hens with remaining butter mixture. Bake until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175° and potatoes are tender, 40-45 minutes longer., Remove hens to a serving platter. Stir potatoes and onions to coat with pan drippings. Serve with hens.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 67 g fat (22 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 379 mg cholesterol, Sodium 1,398 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29 g carbohydrate, Fiber 4 g fiber, Protein 63 g protein.

ROAST CORNISH HENS WITH HERBS AND PANCETTA



Roast Cornish Hens With Herbs and Pancetta image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 poussins or Cornish hens, air-dried overnight in the refrigerator
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
8 slices smoked pancetta
2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Chop the sage, rosemary and thyme and mix with the butter. Push the herb butter under the loosened skin of the breasts of the poussins or hens. Truss the poussins, season with salt and pepper and cover the breasts with pancetta. Sprinkle with olive oil.
  • Place the poussins in a roasting pan and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Degrease the pan juices and season to taste. Place each poussin on a heated plate and pour a serving of sauce around each one.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1032, UnsaturatedFat 51 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 83 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 65 grams, SaturatedFat 25 grams, Sodium 955 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH HERBS



Cornish Game Hens With Herbs image

Make and share this Cornish Game Hens With Herbs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Derf2440

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

16 cloves, garlic, peeled
16 lemon wedges
8 small Cornish hens, about 1 lb. each
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon soft non-hydrogenated margarine

Steps:

  • Place 2 whole garlic cloves and 2 lemon wedges in each hen.
  • In a small bowl, combine oil,smashed garlic, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Gently separate skin from breast and thigh of each hen and rub meat with herb mixture.
  • Rub any extra over skin.
  • Arrange birds on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast birds in a preheated 400°F oven for 45 minutes or until well browned and cooked through.
  • Baste occasionally.
  • Place birds on a platter and transfer pan juices to measuring cup.
  • To make sauce, remove fat from pan juices.
  • Place juices in a saucepan with stock, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil.
  • Cook a few minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour and margarine.
  • Stir into sauce and cook until just slightly thickened.
  • Adjust seasonings.
  • Serve hens with sauce on the side.

Tips:

  • Choose the Freshest Poultry: Use high-quality, fresh Cornish hens for the best flavor and texture.
  • Dry the Hens Thoroughly: Pat the hens dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure crispy skin.
  • Generously Season the Hens: Use a combination of herbs, spices, and salt and pepper to create a flavorful crust.
  • Use Pancetta or Bacon for Extra Flavor: Wrap the hens in pancetta or bacon slices to add richness and smokiness.
  • Roast at High Temperature: Start by roasting the hens at a high temperature to create a golden-brown crust, then reduce the heat to finish cooking.
  • Baste the Hens with Butter or Oil: Basting the hens during roasting will help keep them moist and prevent dryness.
  • Roast the Vegetables Separately: If using vegetables, roast them separately to prevent them from overcooking.
  • Let the Hens Rest Before Serving: Allow the hens to rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion:

Roast Cornish hens with herbs and pancetta is an easy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken, crispy skin, and savory pancetta makes this a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a weeknight meal, roast Cornish hens are sure to impress. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

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