Orange Glazed Game Hens

Indulge in the rich, citrusy flavors of Orange Glazed Game Hens, a gourmet twist on classic roasted poultry. These perfectly golden Cornish game hens are seasoned with salt and black pepper, brushed with a luscious glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic, and infused with the aromatic freshness of rosemary sprigs. Finished with a buttery basting, the crisp, caramelized skin locks in the juicy, tender meat for an unforgettable main course. Ready in just 80 minutes, this recipe is ideal for elegant dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or an extraordinary weeknight meal. Pair these glazed hens with roasted vegetables or a bright citrus salad for a truly stunning presentation. Perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor, these Orange Glazed Game Hens will become your go-to dish for any special occasion!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Cornish game hens
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Orange zest
• 0.25 cup Honey
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 4 pieces Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 tablespoons Butter, melted

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels and season the inside and outside generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the game hens and rub it evenly across the skin for a crispy finish.

Step 4

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

Place the hens breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish. Tuck a sprig of rosemary into the cavity of each hen for added flavor.

Step 7

Brush the hens with half of the orange glaze, ensuring even coverage over the skin.

Step 8

Roast the game hens in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the pan from the oven and brush the hens with the remaining glaze. Baste with melted butter to enhance the caramelization.

Step 10

Return the hens to the oven and roast for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 11

Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 12

Serve the roasted game hens with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a citrusy salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2455.4 grams (2455.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4936

Total Fat 286.40g	367%
Saturated Fat 81.20g	406%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 1662mg	554%
Sodium 7281mg	317%
Total Carbohydrate 84.50g	31%
Dietary Fiber 3.80g	14%
Total Sugars 69.60g
Protein 466.70g	933%

Vitamin D 214IU	1070%
Calcium 385mg	30%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 5118mg	109%

*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: 39.0%

Carbs: 7.1%