Cornish Hens Steamed In Foil
Juicy Cornish hens steamed in foil with herbs and finished with a buttery browning, perfect for a flavorful, elegant meal suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season each thawed Cornish hen with salt, pepper, sage, and parsley flakes.
- Wrap each seasoned hen tightly in a large piece of foil.
- Place the wrapped hens on a baking sheet or in a baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Remove the hens from the oven and raise the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Open the foil to expose the hens carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Brush each hen with 2 teaspoons of margarine.
- Return the uncovered hens to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the Cornish hens overnight in a mixture of herbs and spices. If you don't have margarine, butter works well as a substitute. Make sure to seal the foil tightly to keep the moisture in while baking. You can also add vegetables like carrots or potatoes inside the foil for a complete meal. For a sweet touch, drizzle with honey before seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Cornish hens with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Microwavable Tender Buttery Corn, which adds a sweet and buttery flavor. For a festive touch, consider a side of cranberry sauce or wild rice. A glass of Glen'S Punch can complement the meal perfectly for a special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish hens should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens Steamed In Foil contains roughly 64 calories, with 8g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
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 regular chicken instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can substitute regular chicken for Cornish hens, but be mindful of the cooking time as larger pieces will require a longer baking duration to ensure they cook through evenly.
What can I do if I don't have foil?
If you don't have foil, you can use a covered baking dish or a roasting pan with a lid. Just ensure that the hens are sealed well to retain moisture during the cooking process.
Can I prepare the hens in advance?
Absolutely! You can season and wrap the Cornish hens in foil a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply bake them as directed from the cold state, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
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).