Baked Cornish Hen With Honey Sauce
Juicy Cornish hens baked to perfection with a sweet honey glaze and savory Worcestershire sauce, creating a flavorful and tender main course. Ideal for special dinners or family gatherings, this dish combines rich flavors with a crispy skin, appealing to poultry lovers and those seeking a delicious, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash hens and remove giblets for gravy or stuffing. Season hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Place hens in a roasting pan and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Mix honey and Worcestershire sauce together to create the glaze.
- After the first 30 minutes of baking, baste hens every 10 minutes with the honey mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the Cornish hens in the honey glaze for a few hours before baking. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the hens; they should reach 165°F for safe consumption. Pair this dish with seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked Cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Fruit Salad With Lemon Sauce for a refreshing contrast to the rich honey glaze. Consider offering some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cornish Hen With Honey Sauce contains roughly 4 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1163mg per serving (51% 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 other types of poultry instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can substitute Cornish hens with small chickens or game hens. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger birds may require a longer baking time. Ensure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
How can I make the honey glaze spicier?
To give your honey glaze a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. This will balance the sweetness of the honey with a bit of heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
What side dishes complement this recipe?
This dish pairs well with various sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a light quinoa salad. For something a bit different, you could serve it with Potato-Vegetable Chowder for a comforting meal that balances flavors and textures.
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).