Glazed Cornish Game Hens

Elevate your dinner table with these succulent Glazed Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping dish perfect for holidays, date nights, or gourmet dinners at home. These tender, oven-roasted hens are seasoned with a fragrant blend of thyme, garlic, and paprika, then glazed with an irresistible mix of orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and butter, creating a beautifully caramelized finish. With their juicy interior and crispy golden skin, these hens are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Ready in just over an hour, this easy yet impressive recipe is ideal for serving four and pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes. Complete the presentation with a touch of fresh rosemary for a final burst of flavor and elegance.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole (approximately 1.5 pounds each) Cornish game hens
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 3 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 sprigs (optional, for garnish) Fresh rosemary

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Rub the hens all over with olive oil, then season them evenly with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 4

Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or large oven-safe skillet, leaving some room between them.

Step 5

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

Brush the hens generously with the prepared glaze, coating them thoroughly.

Step 7

Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, basting with additional glaze every 15 minutes. The hens should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at their thickest part.

Step 8

If the skin is not golden and crispy toward the end of cooking, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 9

Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1776.2 grams (1776.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3535

Total Fat 202.20g	259%
Saturated Fat 58.10g	291%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.50g
Cholesterol 1154mg	385%
Sodium 4620mg	201%
Total Carbohydrate 84.60g	31%
Dietary Fiber 3.20g	11%
Total Sugars 72.30g
Protein 319.60g	639%

Vitamin D 141IU	703%
Calcium 275mg	21%
Iron 19mg	107%
Potassium 3722mg	79%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.0%

Protein: 37.2%

Carbs: 9.8%