Roasted Game Hens With Potato Hash
Juicy roasted game hens paired with flavorful potato hash seasoned with paprika, thyme, and fresh parsley, perfect for a hearty, rustic dinner for two.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. paprika, divided ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- black pepper, freshly ground ⓘ
- 1 large russet potato, cut into 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat; add diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and sliced celery.
- Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon paprika, minced thyme, 2 tablespoons minced parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste; stir to combine.
- Stir in the cubed potato.
- Add chicken or vegetable broth and heat to boiling.
- Lower heat to a simmer, partially cover the pan, and cook until the potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut the backbone from each game hen with a knife or kitchen shears.
- Rub the hens all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil; season with remaining 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat an ovenproof skillet over high heat; brown the hens, skin side up, for 3 minutes.
- Turn the hens and brown for an additional 2 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven; place another cast-iron pan or a foil-wrapped brick on top of the hens.
- Roast for 12 minutes.
- Remove the top pan or brick.
- Turn the hens skin side up; cook until firm, evenly brown, but still moist, about 7 minutes.
- Mound the potato hash on each of two plates; place a hen on each mound.
- Garnish with remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the game hens, consider marinating them in a mixture of olive oil, paprika, and thyme for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have russet potatoes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be substituted. For a quicker option, pre-cooked potatoes can be used in the hash, reducing the cooking time. This dish pairs beautifully with Captivating Chicken Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted game hens on a bed of the flavorful potato hash for a hearty meal. This dish goes well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a more festive touch, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine or a light red. It’s a great centerpiece for gatherings, especially alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens and potato hash in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roasted Game Hens With Potato Hash contains roughly 667 calories, with 17g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), iron (123% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 frozen game hens for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen game hens, but it's essential to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent any potential food safety issues. Thawing typically takes 24 hours, so plan ahead for best results.
What can I substitute for the broth if I want a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, you may enhance the flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of liquid smoke to the broth for depth. This keeps the dish hearty while accommodating dietary preferences.
How can I tell when the game hens are fully cooked?
To ensure the game hens are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced. Resting the hens for a few minutes before serving helps retain moisture.
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).