Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
Sweet apricot glaze complements tender roasted Cornish hens, served over flavorful rice with green onions and crunchy cashews for a delightful, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix apricot preserves and orange juice in a small bowl.
- Remove giblets from hens.
- Place hens on a rack in a roasting pan; sprinkle lightly with salt and paprika.
- Roast hens in a preheated 350°F oven until thickest parts are fork tender and drumstick meat feels soft when pressed, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Baste hens frequently with the apricot glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Saute green onions in 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine in a medium saucepan until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in rice; cook according to package directions, substituting chicken broth for water and omitting salt.
- Stir minced parsley into the cooked rice.
- Saute cashews in 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine in a medium skillet until golden, about 2 minutes.
- Stir the cashews into the rice.
- Spoon rice onto a serving platter; arrange hens on top and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If apricot preserves are unavailable, peach or mango preserves make excellent substitutes. To save time, you can prepare the rice in advance and reheat it with a little extra broth before serving. Remember to baste the hens regularly to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apricot-glazed Cornish hens on a bed of the flavorful rice for an eye-catching presentation. A fresh salad, such as a mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus. This dish is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. The rice can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens contains roughly 448 calories, with 12g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1556mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Cornish hens for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Cornish hens. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking, which may take a day in the refrigerator. For faster thawing, you can submerge them in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?
The hens are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. You can also check if the juices run clear when pierced at the joint of the drumstick. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method to ensure they are safe to eat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apricot glaze and rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply roast the hens and reheat the rice with a little broth. This makes it convenient for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).