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Truffle Herb Butter Cornish Hens

Truffle Herb Butter Cornish Hens for a Cozy Holiday Feast

Truffle Herb Butter Cornish Hens make an impressive holiday dish with rich flavors and ease, perfect for intimate gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 2 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 1 lb Cornish Hens Approx. 1-½ lbs each; serves 1-2 people per hen
  • 1 whole Lemon Quartered and stuffed inside the hens
For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium Yellow Onions Quartered
  • 2 medium Carrots Peel and chop
  • 1 lb Baby Gold Yukon Potatoes Halved
For the Herb Butter Mixture
  • 1 bunch Rosemary Fresh; 1 tbsp minced
  • 1 bunch Thyme Fresh; 10 sprigs
  • 6 cloves Garlic Minced; plus 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Melted
  • Cracked Black Pepper Use to taste
For the Cooking Liquid
  • ½ cup Chicken Stock Can substitute with vegetable stock
  • ½ cup White Wine Dry variety preferred; can be omitted
For the Luxurious Touch
  • 2 tbsp Truffle Oil Infuses flavor

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Truffle Herb Butter Cornish Hens
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and tuck the wings tightly at the sides, then tie the drumsticks together.
  3. In a large roasting pan, arrange the quartered yellow onions, chopped carrots, and halved baby gold Yukon potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with cracked black pepper and salt.
  4. Stuff each hen with the quartered lemon pieces.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced rosemary, thyme, garlic, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper with the melted unsalted butter. Mix well.
  6. Generously rub the herb butter mixture all over each hen.
  7. Pour the chicken stock and white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan.
  8. Place the roasting pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes.
  9. Once cooked, let the hens rest for 10-20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the Cornish hens are well dried before seasoning for crispy skin. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Resting time is crucial for juicy meat.

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