Rock Hen Or Quail Italiano
Juicy Cornish hens or quail baked with aromatic herbs and Parmesan, offering rich flavors perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions, served with rice and chilled wine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix the butter, crushed rosemary, garlic, and crushed oregano together.
- Brush the herb mixture onto the hens or quail.
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Add a few dashes of paprika and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the poultry.
- Wrap the seasoned poultry in foil.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through.
- Open the foil to brown the poultry.
- Serve with steamed rice.
- Pour the butter juices from the poultry over the rice before serving.
- Optional: Add chicken or beef bouillon to the juices for extra flavor.
- Pair with chilled white Zinfandel wine.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh rosemary and garlic for a more intense flavor. If you don't have Cornish hens, quail or even chicken thighs can be good substitutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for smaller or larger birds. You can add a splash of lemon juice to the herb mixture for brightness. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that feature rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poultry over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the butter juices to soak into the grains. Pair this dish with a crisp Italian Vegetable Salad for a refreshing contrast. A chilled white Zinfandel wine complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Rock Hen or Quail Italiano should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, covering to retain moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rock Hen Or Quail Italiano contains roughly 382 calories, with 16g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (221% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), and calcium (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1063mg per serving (46% 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 other herbs instead of rosemary and oregano?
Absolutely! Thyme and sage can be excellent alternatives, each lending their unique flavors to the dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or what you have on hand to achieve a taste that suits you best.
What is the best way to know when the hens or quail are done cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced near the bone, indicating that the meat is fully cooked.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the herb mixture and brush it onto the poultry a few hours before cooking. Just keep the seasoned birds covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully before 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).