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Cornish Hens
This Cornish Hens recipe creates a beautifully tender, flavorful dish by browning half Cornish hens and simmering them with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for an intimate dinner, the combination of potatoes, onions, carrots, and tomatoes makes it a comforting one-pan meal. Fresh basil, rosemary, and thyme elevate the flavors, while a touch of olive oil keeps the hens moist and juicy. This recipe offers a rustic, hearty approach to a classic poultry dish with Mediterranean-inspired flair.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 3
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 half Cornish hens
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup potatoes (chopped)
  • ½ cup onions (chopped)
  • 2 shallots (chopped)
  • ½ cup carrots (chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms (sliced )
  • 1 tsp fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes (chunked)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Hens

  • Season Cornish hens generously with salt and black pepper.
  • In a skillet, lightly brown hens on medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

  • Add chopped potatoes, onions, shallots, carrots, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.

Step 3: Season & Enrich

  • Stir in basil, rosemary, thyme, and a touch of olive oil for added richness.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Simmer

  • Mix in the chunked tomatoes.
  • Cover the skillet and cook on medium heat for about 45 minutes or until hens are fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

Tips

  • Brown hens well before covering to deepen flavor
  • Substitute baby potatoes or fingerlings for quicker prep
  • Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth before covering for extra moisture
  • Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable (reduce amount slightly)
  • Roast in the oven at 350°F instead of stovetop if preferred
  • Add parsnips or turnips for a more rustic root-vegetable dish
  • Finish uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes to crisp the skin
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for color and aroma
  • For richer flavor, dot with a little butter before cooking

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 37gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 980mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1100IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken dinner, comfort food, cornish hens, easy dinner, one pot meal, rustic, skillet meal, vegetable medley
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