WALNUT PESTO BROILED CORNISH HENS

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Walnut Pesto Broiled Cornish Hens image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup grated Pecorino cheese
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for pan
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 small clove garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Cornish hens, halved (or 4 whole chicken legs)
Lemons, for serving
Potatoes, for serving

Steps:

  • 1. Set the oven rack on the lowest level and preheat the broiler to high. Line the bottom of a broiler pan with foil and brush with oil.
  • 2. Combine the parsley, walnuts, pecorino, 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a food processor. Add 1 tablespoon water and process until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. (Makes about 1 cup.)
  • 3. Pat the chicken dry and carefully loosen the skin to form a pocket under the skin. Lift the skin, and use a spoon or fingers to stuff about 1/4 cup pesto deep into the pockets of each of the halves, cover as much of the meat as possible without breaking the skin. Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken skin-side down on the pan and broil until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Carefully turn to keep the skin intact and cook the other side until crispy and dark brown, about 10 minutes. Garnish with lemon and serve with potatoes.
  • Total Fat: 51 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 12 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 3 grams
  • Protein: 37 grams
  • Sodium: 724 milligrams
  • Cholesterol: 185 milligrams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchens for entwine.
  • Copyright 2010 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved

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