Maple Orange Cornish Hens

Elevate your dinner table with these show-stopping Maple Orange Cornish Hens, a perfect blend of sweet, citrusy, and savory flavors that will impress any guest. Whole Cornish hens are brushed with a luscious glaze made from pure maple syrup, fresh orange juice, tangy orange zest, and a hint of olive oil, creating the ultimate caramelized exterior. Aromatic garlic, fresh rosemary, and a seasoning blend of paprika, salt, and black pepper infuse the meat with depth and richness. Roasted to golden perfection in just an hour, these tender, juicy hens are basted regularly for a glossy finish that packs bold flavor into every bite. Ideal for elegant entertaining or a special family meal, serve these hens alongside roasted vegetables or a bright citrus salad for a stunning presentation.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 whole Cornish hens
• 0.25 cup Maple syrup
• 0.25 cup Fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Zest of an orange
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and place them in a roasting pan or baking dish.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and olive oil.

Step 4

Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the maple-orange mixture.

Step 5

Season the hens liberally with salt, black pepper, and paprika, rubbing the seasoning all over the skin and inside the cavity.

Step 6

Brush a generous amount of the maple-orange glaze over the hens, reserving some for basting later.

Step 7

Stuff each hen cavity with one sprig of fresh rosemary.

Step 8

Place the roasting pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Brush the hens with the remaining glaze every 15–20 minutes to create a glossy and flavorful coating.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Maple Orange Cornish Hens whole or halved, garnished with additional orange zest and fresh rosemary if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1172.3 grams (1172.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2505

Total Fat 148.50g	190%
Saturated Fat 39.40g	197%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 750mg	250%
Sodium 3068mg	133%
Total Carbohydrate 64.20g	23%
Dietary Fiber 1.60g	6%
Total Sugars 58.50g
Protein 221.40g	443%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 187mg	14%
Iron 13mg	73%
Potassium 2203mg	47%

*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: 53.9%

Protein: 35.7%

Carbs: 10.4%