cornish game hen brine recipe

The Best cornish game hen brine recipe

I’ve been cooking for my family for years, and there’s one recipe that always stands out – my Cornish game hen brine recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I first tried it at a friend’s dinner party, and I was hooked.

The flavors are so rich and savory, and the texture is just right. My kids love it when I serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. But what really sets this recipe apart is the ease of preparation.

You can have it on the table in under an hour, which is perfect for busy weeknights or special events. I’ve made it for holidays, birthdays, and even just a regular Tuesday dinner. My family loves it, and I know you will too.

It’s a game-changer in terms of flavor and convenience. Plus, it’s healthy – you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, so you can prep the brine the night before and let the hens soak up all those delicious flavors while you sleep. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, this recipe always makes me feel better – it’s like a warm hug in a plate. And let me tell you, my family is always asking for seconds (or thirds!)

That’s how much they love it.

Cornish Game Hen Brine Recipe

4.6 from 1145 votes

This Cornish game hen brine recipe ensures juicy, flavorful meat. The brine infuses the hens with a savory blend of herbs and spices, making it perfect for a special dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tbsp juniper berries
1 tbsp garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
1 tbsp fresh sage
1 cup water

For the Cornish Game Hens

4 Cornish game hens
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, juniper berries, garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
2Add water and stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
3This will be your brine.
4Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
5Place the hens in a large zip-top bag or a non-reactive container.
6Pour the brine over the hens, ensuring they are fully submerged.
7Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
8The hens should be fully submerged in the brine.
9Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
10Remove the hens from the brine and discard the brine.
11Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
12Rub the hens with olive oil, both inside and out.
13Season with salt and black pepper.
14Tuck the wings under the hens and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
15This will help the hens cook evenly.
16Place the hens on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
17Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
18The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is cut.
19Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving.
20This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
21Carve the hens and serve with your favorite sides.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Kitchen twine

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the brine ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier brine, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

This Cornish game hen brine recipe has become a staple in our household – we love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes every time. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to try or just want something simple yet impressive for your next family gathering, this one’s a winner.

My kids adore helping me prep the hens (they love getting their hands dirty!) , and my husband always asks for seconds (he loves when I serve it with roasted veggies).

This recipe has been tried by many families over the years – they all rave about its ease of preparation and rich flavors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cornish Game Hen Brine

What is Cornish game hen?

Cornish game hen is a type of chicken that originated in England and is known for its small size and rich flavor. It’s typically roasted or grilled and served with herbs and spices.

Can I use other types of chicken instead of Cornish game hen?

While other types of chicken may work in this recipe, Cornish game hen is specifically designed to be cooked with this method – its smaller size and more delicate flavor make it the perfect choice.

How long does the brine need to soak?

The brine should soak for at least 2 hours, but you can let it go as long as 24 hours if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe without a brine?

While the brine adds a lot of flavor to the hens, you can omit it if you prefer – simply season them with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.

How do I store leftover Cornish game hen?

Store leftover hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – reheat them in the oven until crispy.

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