Cornish Game Hens, Cooked under a Brick, with Orzo

Name: Cornish Game Hens, Cooked under a Brick, with Orzo Risotto and Grilled Zucchini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary; 1 tablespoon chopped thyme; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; Pinch crushed red pepper; 2 Cornish game hens, about 1 1/4 pounds each; 4 bricks, wrapped in aluminum foil; 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper; Orzo Risotto, recipe follows; Grilled Zucchini, recipe follows; 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta); 1/2 cup small dice onion; 11/2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 4 cups chicken stock, kept hot in a saucepan on the stove-top

Servings: persons

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Pinch crushed red pepper
2 Cornish game hens, about 1 1/4 pounds each
4 bricks, wrapped in aluminum foil
1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
Orzo Risotto, recipe follows
Grilled Zucchini, recipe follows
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1/2 cup small dice onion
11/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups chicken stock, kept hot in a saucepan on the stove-top
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 tablespoons parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons butter
2 (12-ounce) zucchini, cut into quarters lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

1
["In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and crushed red pepper.", "Mix to combine and set aside.", "Place the hens on a cutting board.", "With a boning knife, cut along the backbone and remove.", "Place the hens breast-side down and using the heel of your hand, push down to break the breastbone and flatten.", "Tuck the wing tips behind the joint of the wing that meets the breast.", "Place in a 9 by 13-inch, non-reactive baking dish and add the marinade.", "Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours, turning occasionally to evenly coat.", "Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and preheat the bricks for 20 minutes.", "(Alternately, heat the bricks on the grill for 30 minutes.)", "Preheat a grill to medium heat.", "Remove the birds from the marinade and season on both sides with the Essence, salt, and pepper.", "Place the birds, breast-side down, on the grill.", "Place 2 bricks on each bird to cover completely and flatten.", "Cook for 5 minutes, turn at a 90 degree angle and cook, for 5 minutes.", "Remove the bricks and turn the birds.", "Cook on the second side for 2 minutes, then turn 90 degrees and cook for an additional 2 minutes.", "Remove from the grill, place on a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.", "Cut each bird in half lengthwise.", "Serve with the Orzo Risotto and Grilled Zucchini.", "Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.", "Yield: about 2/3 cup", "Recipe from ""New New Orleans Cooking"

2233

kcal

Calories

200

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 39 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and more.

Yes, Cornish Game Hens, Cooked under a Brick, with Orzo Risotto and Grilled Zucchini falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cornish Game Hens, Cooked under a Brick, with Orzo Risotto and Grilled Zucchini

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions