Cornish Hens With Orange Glaze
Cornish hens glazed with a bright orange sauce offer a flavorful, elegant main course perfect for special occasions or family dinners with a citrusy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hens in butter in a skillet.
- Place hens in a baking dish or roasting pan.
- Melt the apple jelly over medium heat.
- Add cornstarch to the hen drippings.
- Stir in apple jelly, orange juice, white wine, and salt.
- Cook until smooth and thickened.
- Pour the glaze over the hens.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a perfectly glazed Cornish hen, make sure to brown them well in butter for added flavor. If you don't have apple jelly, you can substitute with apricot or peach preserves. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch and ensure the white wine is certified gluten-free. Always taste and adjust the salt as needed before glazing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. They pair beautifully with Favorite Cornbread for a comforting touch. For a refreshing finish, consider serving with a light fruit dessert, such as Apple Raspberry Crisp, to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, to maintain the crispiness of the glaze. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Hens With Orange Glaze contains roughly 515 calories, with 24g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% 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 glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before pouring it over the hens. This helps save time on the day you plan to serve.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still complement the dish well.
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 thigh. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they are safe to eat.
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).