How to Cook a Game Hen in the Oven: A Simple Guide

Cooking a game hen, specifically Cornish game hen, can seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple! This small bird is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner, and when roasted correctly, it turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the steps to prepare and cook a game hen in the oven with ease.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 or more Cornish game hens
• 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs: basil, oregano, and parsley (or 1 tablespoon of dried herbs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: variety of root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, etc.) for roasting alongside the hens
• Optional: lemon or garlic for stuffing inside the hen for added flavor

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy, golden skin on the hens. Next, you need to prepare the hens. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up during roasting.

Step 2: Season the Hens

Season the inside and outside of the hens with salt and pepper. Then, brush them generously with melted butter or olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also promotes browning. For extra flavor, consider tucking lemon slices or garlic cloves inside the cavity of each hen.

Step 3: Prepare the Aromatics

In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, mushrooms, minced garlic, and your choice of fresh or dried herbs. This mixture will serve as a flavorful bed for the hens and adds moisture during cooking. Spread this aromatics mixture in the bottom of a roasting pan.

Step 4: Arrange the Hens for Roasting

Place the seasoned game hens elevated on a rack in the roasting pan, allowing air to circulate around them. This will ensure even cooking and skin crispiness. If you don’t have a rack, you can also place the hens directly on top of the aromatic vegetables.

Step 5: Roast the Game Hens

Put the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the hens for approximately 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). If you’re cooking multiple hens, be sure to check them all, as different sizes may cook at slightly different rates.

Step 6: Baste for Flavor

If you’d like, you can baste the hens with their pan juices halfway through cooking. This will keep the meat moist and infuse more flavor into the skin. Be careful when opening the oven, as hot steam can escape.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once the hens are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and moist when carved.

Step 8: Serve

Carve the hens and serve them alongside the roasted vegetables and any starches of your choice, like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the servings for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
• If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in a covered pan with a bit of water in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes.
• Game hens make an impressive presentation for dinner parties and can be garnished with fresh herbs or citrus slices when serving.

By following these simple steps, cooking a game hen in the oven can be a delightful and satisfying culinary experience. Enjoy your deliciously roasted Cornish game hen, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!