Herb-Brined Cornish Game Hens are a delightful and elegant dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home. The process of brining infuses the hens with deep, savory flavors and ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender during roasting. A combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus in the brine adds a fragrant and zesty note, making each bite a burst of flavor. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party, offering both beauty and taste in every serving.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish game hens, about 1 to 1.5 pounds each
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 small bunch of fresh thyme
- 1 small bunch of fresh rosemary
- 1 small bunch of fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemon slices, orange slices, thyme, rosemary, sage, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Stir the mixture until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Bring the brine to a simmer over medium heat, then remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Brine the Hens: Once the brine has cooled, place the Cornish game hens in a large resealable plastic bag or a deep dish. Pour the brine over the hens, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the hens from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine. Rub the hens all over with olive oil, and season with freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Roast the Hens: Place the hens on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve whole or halved, garnished with additional fresh herbs and citrus slices if desired.
Enjoy your Herb-Brined Cornish Game Hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
