Indulge in the opulence of , a dish that embodies the essence of luxury with its rich flavors and silky textures. This recipe combines the tender juiciness of roasted chicken with the indulgent creaminess of a specially crafted sauce, making it a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. The blend of aromatic herbs, the tanginess of lemon, and the subtle kick of spices creates a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat your family to something extraordinary, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 3 Cornish Hens (about 2 to 2.5 lbs. each)
- 9 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- 3 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 3 slices of Lemon
- 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence
- 3 tablespoons Flaky Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
- 1-inch slices of Artisan Sourdough Bread (for serving)
- Million Dollar Sauce:
- 8 ounces (1 cup) Plain Creme Fraiche
- 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 teaspoons Aleppo Pepper
- 1 Shallot, finely minced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
- Pinch of Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Garnish: 1 tablespoon Flat Leaf Parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the Cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels. Season each hen with kosher salt, black pepper, and herbs de provence.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place a sprig of thyme, a sprig of rosemary, a crushed clove of garlic, and a bay leaf inside each hen.
- Roast the Chicken: Drizzle the hens with olive oil and place them in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Million Dollar Sauce: In a bowl, combine creme fraiche, lemon zest, lemon juice, aleppo pepper, minced shallot, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Slather the Million Dollar Sauce over the roasted chicken and serve with slices of artisan sourdough bread.
Top Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add a vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Quality of Creme Fraiche: Use high-quality creme fraiche for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the amount of aleppo pepper to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- Serve with Bread: Artisan sourdough bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce.
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add more aleppo pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Herb Infused Oil: Use herb-infused olive oil for roasting the chicken for added depth.
- Lemon and Garlic Focaccia: Serve with lemon and garlic focaccia instead of sourdough for a different flavor profile.
- Mushroom Addition: Sautéed mushrooms can be added to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Bacon Wrapped: Wrap the chicken with bacon before roasting for a smoky flavor.
- Greek Yogurt Substitute: Use Greek yogurt instead of creme fraiche for a lighter version of the sauce.
Nutritional Guide
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 420 | 28g | 10g | 35g |
Additional nutritional notes: This recipe is rich in protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the creme fraiche and olive oil. The sourdough bread adds some carbohydrates, but overall, the dish is well-balanced and satisfying. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of creme fraiche and reducing the amount of olive oil used for roasting.
