Cornish Game Hens With Brandy Apricot Glaze
Juicy Cornish game hens glazed with sweet apricot jam and brandy, stuffed with flavorful wild rice and orange zest, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Rinse hens and pat dry.
- Mix cooked wild rice and grated orange rind in a bowl.
- Stuff each hen with the rice mixture.
- Place hens, breast sides up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Cover loosely with foil and roast for 45 minutes.
- Heat apricot jam and brandy in a saucepan.
- Remove hens from oven and remove foil.
- Brush hens with the jam mixture.
- Lower oven temperature to 325°F and roast for an additional 30 minutes.
- Baste hens occasionally during the remaining roasting time.
- Arrange served hens with extra rice and optional crab apples, watercress, or parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful glaze, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the apricot jam and brandy mixture. If you don't have wild rice, brown rice or quinoa can be good substitutes. Ensure the hens are evenly cooked by checking their internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. For additional texture, you might also consider adding chopped nuts to the stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hens on a large platter surrounded by the extra wild rice and a garnish of the spiced crab apples or fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Oyster Spoon Bread to soak up the delicious glaze.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish game hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, covering with foil if they start to dry out. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Game Hens With Brandy Apricot Glaze contains roughly 637 calories, with 82g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (164% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% 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 prepare the hens in advance?
Yes, you can prep the hens by stuffing them and applying the glaze a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are coming straight from the fridge.
What if I can't find Cornish hens?
If Cornish hens are unavailable, you can substitute with small broiler chickens, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. A whole chicken will require longer cooking, so ensure you check the internal temperature to guarantee it's cooked through.
How do I know when the hens are done cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, which should read 165°F. The juices should also run clear when the hens are pierced. If cooking multiple hens, make sure to check each one.
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).