Cornish Hens with Tomato, Basil and Garlic Recipe

Name: Cornish Hens with Tomato, Basil and Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 each cornish game hens 1.5 pounds each; 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh; 4 teaspoons lemon pepper; 2 cups cherry tomatoes quartered; 1/2 cup fennel bulb chopped; 1/4 cup basil fresh, chopped; 4 large shallots quartered; 4 cloves garlic quartered; 1 each bay leaves quartered; 4 slices lemon; 4 Sprigs rosemary leaves fresh; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 8 cloves garlic outer skin, removed; 1 Sprig rosemary leaves

Servings: persons

4 each cornish game hens 1.5 pounds each
1/2 cup lemon juice fresh
4 teaspoons lemon pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes quartered
1/2 cup fennel bulb chopped
1/4 cup basil fresh, chopped
4 large shallots quartered
4 cloves garlic quartered
1 each bay leaves quartered
4 slices lemon
4 Sprigs rosemary leaves fresh
1 teaspoon olive oil
8 cloves garlic outer skin, removed
1 Sprig rosemary leaves

1
Heat oven to 375F (190C).
2
Rinse hens and drain.
3
Combine lemon juice and lemon pepper in large bowl; add hens, spooning lemon mixture in cavity of each hen.
4
Combine tomatoes, fennel, basil, shallots and garlic in medium bowl.
5
Drain hens, reserving lemon pepper juice.
6
Place one quarter bay leaf, a lemon slice and a rosemary sprig in cavity.
7
Spoon in tomato mixture.
8
Tie legs of each hen together with string, or close cavities with toothpicks.
9
Place on rack in roasting pan.
10
Spoon reserved lemon-pepper juice on top.
11
Roast 1 hour.
12
Prepare French Roasted Garlic: Meanwhile, combine oil and 3 tablespoons of water in 8 inch square baking dish.
13
Trim top 1/2 inch from each bulb of garlic, keeping cloves intact.
14
Arrange cut side down in prepared dish; add 1 sprig rosemary.
15
Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes or until very soft.
16
Let hens stand covered 15 minutes.
17
Cut in half; remove and discard skin and wind tips.
18
Arrange halves on 8 dinner plates and spoon tomato stuffing on top.
19
Serve with 1 bulb garlic on each plate for dinners to squeeze softened cloves out of skins onto hens.

162

kcal

Calories

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

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

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

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 each cornish game hens 1.5 pounds each, 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh, 4 teaspoons lemon pepper, 2 cups cherry tomatoes quartered, and more.

Yes, Cornish Hens with Tomato, Basil and Garlic falls under the General 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 Hens with Tomato, Basil and Garlic

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions