Prepare to elevate your dinner game with a French-inspired culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a world of herbal elegance and zesty delight! These Tarragon Lime Cornish Hens are not just a meal, but a gourmet experience that transforms an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining adventure. Imagine perfectly roasted birds with crispy, golden skin infused with the bright, aromatic combination of fresh tarragon and tangy lime - a recipe so stunning, it'll make your dinner guests wonder if you've secretly trained in a Parisian kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons tarragon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove Cornish hens from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with chopped tarragon, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Carefully loosen the skin of each Cornish hen using your fingers, creating a pocket between the skin and meat.
- Spread half of the tarragon-lime butter mixture under the skin of each hen, massaging gently to distribute evenly.
- Rub the remaining butter mixture over the outside of the hens, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste the hens with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep the meat moist and enhance flavor.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh tarragon and lime wedges if desired. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- • Room temperature is key: Letting the Cornish hens sit out for 30 minutes before cooking ensures even roasting and more tender meat. • The butter technique matters: Gently loosening the skin and spreading herb butter underneath creates incredibly flavorful and moist meat. • Basting is your secret weapon: Regular basting every 20 minutes prevents dryness and builds incredible depth of flavor. • Use a meat thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked poultry. • Resting time is crucial: Allowing the hens to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking helps redistribute juices, keeping the meat succulent. • For extra presentation points, garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs and lime wedges to enhance both visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 150mg
