brine cornish game hens recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best brine cornish game hens recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Brine Cornish Game Hens recipe! I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The first time I had Cornish game hens was at a fancy restaurant, and I was amazed by the tender, juicy meat and the rich flavors that came with it. After some trial and error, I finally mastered the recipe and now it’s a staple in my household.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time. My kids love helping me prepare the hens, and they’re always excited to see them come out of the oven all golden brown and delicious.

The combination of herbs and spices in the brine is what gives this dish its unique flavor, and I’ve experimented with different combinations to find the perfect balance. As a busy mom, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is.

It’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or dinner parties, but also works well for everyday meals. Plus, it’s a great way to get some lean protein into our diets without feeling like we’re sacrificing taste or convenience.

Brined Cornish Game Hens

Brined Cornish Game Hens

4.8 from 1131 votes

This recipe features Cornish game hens brined for added flavor and moisture, then roasted to perfection. Served with a savory herb butter, this dish is elegant yet easy to prepare.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

1 cup salt
1 cup sugar
4 cups water
1 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp fennel seeds
2 bay leaves
4 cloves garlic, smashed

For the Cornish Game Hens

4 Cornish game hens
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Herb Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine salt, sugar, water, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, bay leaves, and garlic.
2Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved.
3Add 4 cups of ice to the brine to cool it down.
4Place the Cornish game hens in the brine, making sure they are fully submerged.
5Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours.
6Remove the hens from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
7Preheat the oven to 425°F.
8Rub the hens with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
9Place the hens in a roasting pan, breast side up.
10Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11While the hens are roasting, prepare the herb butter by mixing softened butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
12After 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and baste the hens with the herb butter using a basting brush.
13Return the hens to the oven and roast for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
14Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving.
15Serve with additional herb butter if desired.
16Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Roasting pan
Basting brush
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 2100mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: Be sure to pat the hens dry after brining to ensure crispy skin. You can adjust the brining time based on your preference for saltiness.

Watch Video Of How Brined Cornish Game Hens Works

This brine Cornish game hen recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It is perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even a simple weeknight meal.

The hens are easy to prepare, and the brining process ensures that they are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The best part is that they can be easily reheated for leftovers.

You can store the leftover hens in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and they can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop. This makes it a great option for meal prepping and enjoying delicious, healthy meals throughout the week.

The hens can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes. The versatility of this recipe makes it a winner in my book, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brined Cornish Game Hens

Q: What are Cornish game hens?

Cornish game hens are small birds that are typically roasted or grilled whole. They’re a great alternative to chicken or turkey for special occasions because they’re relatively easy to prepare and cook.

Q: How do you make the brine for this recipe?

To make the brine, you’ll need kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, thyme sprigs, lemon quarters, garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Simply combine all these ingredients in a large bowl and mix until they’re well combined.

Q: Can I use other types of herbs or spices in the brine?

You can definitely experiment with different herbs and spices to find the combination that you like best. Some options might include rosemary, sage, or even citrus zest.

Q: How long do you need to let the hens sit in the brine?

It’s best to let the hens sit in the brine for at least 2 hours or overnight before cooking them.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by preparing the brine and letting it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the hens.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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