Description
Honey Glazed Cornish Hens are an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal. These tender hens are roasted with a sweet and savory honey glaze that creates a caramelized, golden exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (for roasting)
Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Cornish Hens: Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Place a quarter of lemon inside each cavity.
- Roast the Hens: Place the hens on a rack in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet. Pour the chicken broth (or white wine) into the pan to keep the hens moist while roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Honey Glaze: While the hens are roasting, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using) in a small bowl.
- Glaze the Hens: After 25 minutes of roasting, remove the hens from the oven and brush them generously with the honey glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 20-25 minutes, basting with the glaze every 10 minutes, until the skin is golden and caramelized.
- Rest the Hens: Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the Honey Glazed Cornish Hens whole or halved, accompanied by your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a vegan alternative, use maple syrup instead of honey and skip the glaze or use a plant-based option.
- Ensure the hens are properly thawed if using frozen ones.
- For an extra crispy skin, broil the hens for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 Cornish hen
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg