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game hens with cilantro butter, roasted, in the baking dish.

Cornish Game Hens With Cilantro Butter

Diana Rattray
Try this easy recipe for Cornish game hens with cilantro butter. Roasted until golden and juicy, they make a wonderful main dish for a Sunday dinner or special occasion.
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Servings 4 to 6 servings
Calories 296
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Other Time10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 Rock Cornish game hens, about 1 3/4 pounds each
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 375°F.
  • In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the lime zest, juice, grated garlic, and the chopped cilantro. Mash and blend well with a fork.
    4 tbsp butter | 1 tsp lime zest | 1 tbsp lime juice | 1 clove garlic | 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Gently separate the skin from the breast meat and tuck a few teaspoons of the cilantro butter mixture evenly under the skin of each hen.
    4 Rock Cornish game hens | kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • Tip: Dry the hens well before adding the butter and seasoning so the skin browns better
  • Arrange the game hens in a roasting pan.
  • Put any remaining cilantro butter mixture in the cavities of the birds or rub some over the skin. Sprinkle the hens lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Roast the game hens for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until they register at least 165°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
  • Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 36gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 288mgPotassium: 641mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 403IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword cornish game hens, whole chicken
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