Crispy Honey-Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
Indulge in these exquisite Cornish game hens, perfectly glazed with a rich honey-orange blend that creates a delightful contrast of textures. The buttery coating crisps to golden perfection, while the tender meat remains juicy and flavorful, thanks to the fragrant aroma of dried basil and allspice. Ideal for a romantic dinner, these hens pair beautifully with a fragrant rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables, making for a charming meal that'll impress your special someone.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornish hens
2 (cleaned and patted dry)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
allspice
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
orange
1/2 (cut into quarters)
water
2 cups (for roasting pan)
honey
1 cup (for glaze)
butter
1/2 cup (for glaze)
orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup (thawed for glaze)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2
In a small bowl, combine the salt, dried basil, and allspice to create a seasoning blend.
3
Carefully sprinkle the seasoning mixture both inside and outside of each Cornish hen, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
4
Stuff each hen with a quarter of the orange, allowing the citrus to infuse its zest into the meat as it cooks.
5
Arrange the hens in a roasting pan and add the water to the bottom of the pan to keep them moist during cooking.
6
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, butter, and thawed orange juice concentrate. Stir gently until the mixture thickens slightly, creating a luscious glaze.
7
Using a basting brush, drizzle about half of the honey-orange glaze over the Cornish hens.
8
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the hens uncovered for 25 minutes.
9
After 25 minutes, baste the hens with some of the remaining glaze, then continue roasting for an additional 25 minutes or until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
10
Baste again with the remaining honey-orange sauce after 10 minutes to enhance the flavor and promote a crispy exterior.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
75g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Honey-Orange Glazed Cornish Hens.
How many Cornish hens are required?
The recipe requires 2 Cornish hens, cleaned and patted dry.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
What spices are used in the seasoning blend?
The seasoning blend consists of salt, dried basil, and allspice.
What is used to stuff the Cornish hens?
Each hen is stuffed with a quarter of an orange.
Why is water added to the roasting pan?
Water is added to the bottom of the pan to keep the hens moist during the roasting process.
How much water should be added to the pan?
You should add 2 cups of water to the roasting pan.
What ingredients are in the honey-orange glaze?
The glaze is made from honey, butter, and thawed orange juice concentrate.
How much honey is needed for the glaze?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of honey.
How much butter is used in the glaze?
The glaze requires 1/2 cup of butter.
What type of orange juice is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of thawed orange juice concentrate.
How do you prepare the glaze?
Combine honey, butter, and orange juice concentrate in a saucepan over low heat and stir until slightly thickened.
When do you first apply the glaze to the hens?
Drizzle about half of the glaze over the hens before they are placed in the oven.
Should the hens be covered while roasting?
No, the hens should be roasted uncovered.
How long is the initial roasting period?
The hens should roast for an initial 25 minutes.
When should you baste the hens for the first time during cooking?
Baste the hens after the first 25 minutes of roasting.
How long do the hens cook after the first basting?
They continue roasting for an additional 25 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
When is the final basting performed?
Baste again with the remaining sauce after 10 minutes of the second roasting period.
How can you tell if the Cornish hens are fully cooked?
The hens are done when the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 600 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 25g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the hens?
This dish provides 30g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a romantic dinner?
Yes, the description highlights it as ideal for a romantic dinner or date night.
What side dishes pair well with these hens?
It pairs beautifully with fragrant rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The flavor profile is a mix of sweet honey, citrusy orange, and aromatic herbs like basil and allspice.
What is the measurement for the salt?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much dried basil is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much allspice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of allspice.