Spiced Cornish Game Hens
Spiced Cornish game hens featuring lemon, cumin, and coriander offer a flavorful, aromatic main course perfect for special occasions or a festive family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 Cornish game hens (1 to 1½ lbs each) ⓘ
- ¾ cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon coriander ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons soft butter
- ½ teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- sliced green pepper ⓘ
- mint sprigs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 10 ounces green beans
- 2 tablespoons minced green onion ⓘ
- ¼ teaspoon additional cumin ⓘ
- lemon slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and dry the hens, then loosen the skin from the breasts by inserting fingers between the flesh and skin, leaving the skin attached to the keel bone if possible.
- Mix lemon juice, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade inside the hens and underneath the loosened skin, then let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butter the hens with 3 tablespoons of soft butter, and place sliced green peppers and lemon slices inside the cavity or on top as desired.
- Arrange the hens in a roasting pan, and roast for approximately 60 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- While the hens are roasting, blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
- In a skillet, sauté green onions in the remaining butter, add the green beans and additional cumin, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the roasted hens garnished with mint sprigs and extra lemon slices, alongside the green beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like rosemary to the marinade. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinade instead. You can substitute Cornish game hens with small chickens or even quail, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted hens with a side of the sautéed green beans for a colorful plate. Consider pairing with a light salad or Mediterranean recipes like Artichoke-And-Pasta Salad for a refreshing contrast. For an elegant touch, garnish with additional mint sprigs and lemon slices before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spiced Cornish game hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to preserve their moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Cornish Game Hens contains roughly 458 calories, with 19g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% 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 marinate the hens overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the hens overnight enhances the flavors significantly. Just make sure to keep them refrigerated and bring them to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
What should I do if the hens are browning too quickly?
If the hens are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing them to cook through. This will also help retain moisture.
Can I use frozen Cornish game hens for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Cornish game hens, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
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).