Baked Game Hens With Vegetables
Juicy baked game hens with tender vegetables, infused with lemon, rosemary, and garlic, perfect for a hearty and flavorful family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/2 lb. each), thawed and split lengthwise ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil or salad oil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dry rosemary ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed ⓘ
- lemon wedges ⓘ
- 4 shallots (small onions) ⓘ
- 16 to 20 baby carrots, unpeeled ⓘ
- 6 to 8 small red thin skinned potatoes, scrubbed and cut in 1/4-inch thick slices
- Italian parsley sprigs ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the hen halves and pat dry.
- Place the hens, skin side up, in the center of a shallow 10 x 15-inch baking dish.
- Mix lemon juice, oil, rosemary, and garlic and pour over the hens.
- Cut the unpeeled shallots in half lengthwise.
- Arrange the shallots, cut side down, along with carrots and potatoes evenly around the hens.
- Bake in a 450°F oven until the vegetables are tender when pierced and the meat near the thigh bone is no longer pink, about 35 minutes.
- Transfer the hens and vegetables to a warm platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the game hens in the lemon juice, oil, rosemary, and garlic mixture for a few hours before baking. If you don't have shallots, you can substitute with onions or leeks. For a twist, try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or sage to the vegetables. Ensure the hens are evenly spaced in the baking dish for uniform cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked game hens on a large platter, beautifully arranged with the roasted vegetables. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad pairs well with this dish. For a refreshing drink, consider serving Memorial Auxiliary Punch to complement the flavors. Garnish with additional parsley sprigs for a touch of color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked game hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook them to maintain tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Game Hens With Vegetables contains roughly 1698 calories, with 55g protein, 368g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (239% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (199% of the Daily Value), and iron (141% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 67g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of poultry for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Cornish game hens with other small birds like quail or even chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the poultry used, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I do if I don't like rosemary?
If rosemary isn't your favorite, you can replace it with thyme or oregano, which also pair well with poultry. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more, so feel free to experiment with your preferred flavors.
How can I make this recipe more suitable for a crowd?
To serve a larger group, consider doubling the recipe and using two baking dishes. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to bulk up the dish. Just ensure that the hens are not overcrowded for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).