Easy Roasted Cornish Hens

– 4 Cornish hens, thawed and patted dry
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, quartered
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Additional herbs like rosemary or sage, if desired

1. First things first, you’ll want to heat your oven to a cozy 375 degrees F. It’s like warming up the house before the guests arrive.

2. Now take those softened tablespoons of butter and mix in the chopped thyme, minced garlic, salt, and a dash of pepper. It’s like you’re mixing up a little parcel of flavor.

3. Go on and gently loosen the skin from the breasts of your hens. Then, you’ll tuck that herbed butter right under there. It’ll melt and baste the hen from the inside as it cooks, keeping it moist and flavorful.

4. If you’re fond of a little extra herby taste, feel free to add in some extra rosemary or sage to the cavity. Then take a lemon quarter and pop it into each hen’s cavity. This will steam on up and keep everything nice and juicy.

5. Lightly brush the hens with olive oil and give them another sprinkle of salt and pepper, dressing them up for the occasion.

6. Place your hens breast side up in a roasting pan. No need for them to be touching, give them some room to crisp up.

7. Roast your little lovelies for about 1 hour or until the juices run clear when you poke the thigh with a fork, and they’re beautifully browned.

8. Let them have a little rest before serving, about 10 minutes should do. It lets the juices settle back into the meat.

– For a little twist, you can baste the hens with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance.
– If you’re looking to cut down on butter, use olive oil under the skin instead – it’s just as delicious and gives a crispier skin.
– And just remember, each oven is as unique as the family it feeds. So keep an eye on your birds as they roast. A meat thermometer should read 165 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, and that’s when you’ll know they’re done to perfection.

With these easy steps, you’ll have a comforting meal that’ll make you the talk of the town, or at least your dinner table. Enjoy, darlings!