Roasted Citrus Game Hens Recipe

Name: Roasted Citrus Game Hens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 whole Cornish Game Hens; 1/4 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 bulbs Shallots, Minced; 2 Tablespoons Orange Zest (approximately 2 Medium Oranges); 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest (approximately 3 Lemons); 2 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme (or Basil) Leaves, Chopped; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 2 cups Chicken Stock (low Sodium); 2 Tablespoons Dry White Wine; 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, Fresh; 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice (fresh); 2 teaspoons Flour, All Purpose; 2 Tablespoons Butter

Servings: persons

2 whole Cornish Game Hens
1/4 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 bulbs Shallots, Minced
2 Tablespoons Orange Zest (approximately 2 Medium Oranges)
2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest (approximately 3 Lemons)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme (or Basil) Leaves, Chopped
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
2 cups Chicken Stock (low Sodium)
2 Tablespoons Dry White Wine
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, Fresh
2 Tablespoons Orange Juice (fresh)
2 teaspoons Flour, All Purpose
2 Tablespoons Butter

1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2
Rinse the game hens and pat dry with paper towels.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, shallots, orange zest, lemon zest, thyme (or basil), 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
4
Rub game hens with the olive oil mixture over the skin, under the skin and in the cavity of the hens.
5
Using kitchen twine, truss the legs together.
6
Place hens in a shallow 9x13 baking dish.
7
Add the chicken stock, wine, lemon juice and orange juice.
8
Roast for 30-35 minutes or until the leg juices run clear.
9
Remove hens and set aside.
10
Place the flour in a small saucepan and whisk the pan juices in.
11
Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat.
12
Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
13
Whisk in butter and salt and pepper to taste.
14
Place hens on a serving platter and drizzle with the citrus sauce mixture.
15
Sprinkle with a bit of extra fresh thyme.
16
Voila!

452

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

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

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: 2 whole Cornish Game Hens, 1/4 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 bulbs Shallots, Minced, 2 Tablespoons Orange Zest (approximately 2 Medium Oranges), and more.

Yes, Roasted Citrus Game Hens falls under the Meat & Poultry 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!

Roasted Citrus Game Hens

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions