This Cornish hen recipe is perfect for special occasions. Serve with crusty garlic bread and a nice light Chianti wine.
Ingredients
- Cornish hens: 4 piece
- olive oil: 3 Tbsp (divided)
- salt and pepper: (to taste)
- lemon, quartered: 1 piece
- sprigs fresh rosemary: 8 piece (divided)
- garlic: 24 clove
- white wine: 0.33333 cup
- low-sodium chicken broth: 0.33333 cup
Metric Conversion
Stages of cooking
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Rub hens with 1 tablespoon olive oil; lightly season with salt and pepper. Stuff 1 lemon quarter and 1 rosemary sprig into each cavity. Place Cornish hens in a large, heavy roasting pan and arrange garlic cloves around them.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk wine, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil together in a small bowl.
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Remove hens from the oven; reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Pour wine mixture over the hens and continue roasting, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes, until hens are golden brown and juices run clear, about 25 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
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Transfer hens to a platter, pouring any cavity juices into the roasting pan; discard lemons and rosemary. Tent hens with aluminum foil to keep warm.
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Transfer pan juices and garlic cloves to a medium saucepan; boil until reduced to a sauce consistency, about 6 minutes.
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Cut hens in half lengthwise and arrange two halves on each plate. Spoon sauce and roasted garlic on top. Garnish with remaining rosemary sprigs and serve. lc206
