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Savory Cornish Game Hens Recipe with Orange-Thyme Butter

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Tender, juicy Cornish game hens infused with bright, zesty orange-thyme butter. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper (to season the hens generously)
  • Olive oil (for brushing the hens)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (about one large orange)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional garnish)
  • Orange slices (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rack in the center of the oven.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, chopped thyme, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Remove any giblets from the cavity of the hens and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the hens generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
  4. If desired, stuff the cavities with fresh thyme sprigs and orange slices. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together for even cooking and a neat presentation.
  5. Lightly brush the hens with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
  6. Rub the orange-thyme butter all over the hens, including under the skin if possible.
  7. Place the hens in the roasting pan, breast side up, and roast for 50-60 minutes. Halfway through cooking, baste the hens with the pan juices to keep them moist.
  8. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C). If the skin isn’t golden and crispy, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  9. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite incredibly juicy.

Notes

[‘Gently loosen the skin from the meat and apply butter directly to the meat for maximum flavor.’, ‘Baste halfway through cooking to keep the hens moist.’, ‘Use fresh thyme for brighter, more aromatic flavors.’, ‘Broil at the end for a crispy, golden skin.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Cornish game hens, orange-thyme butter, roasted poultry, holiday recipe, special occasion dinner

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/savory-cornish-game-hens-recipe-with-orange-thyme-butter/