Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
Cranberry orange glazed Cornish hens offer a delightful combination of sweet, tangy flavors with tender, flavorful meat, perfect for festive occasions or special family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the hens and pat dry.
- Coat inside and outside of hens with melted butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place hens, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Roast in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and roast for an additional hour or until the thermometer reads 185°F (85°C).
- Meanwhile, for the sauce, in a one-quart saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, lemon juice, minced onion, and cornstarch.
- Cook and stir until thick and bubbly, then cook and stir for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in mandarin orange sections.
- Brush sauce on hens several times during the last 20 minutes of roasting.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing the hens, ensure they are completely thawed for even cooking. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener, but the sauce may have a different texture. For a twist, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the sauce for extra depth. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the orange marmalade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the glazed Cornish hens alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For a festive touch, consider serving with cranberry sauce and a citrusy fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glazed Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the hens in a baking dish covered with foil to retain moisture, heating for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Hens contains roughly 418 calories, with 5g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% 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, but be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps to maintain the hens' moisture during roasting.
What can I substitute for the whole cranberry sauce?
If you don't have whole cranberry sauce, you can use homemade cranberry sauce or substitute with fruit preserves, like raspberry or cherry, for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary.
How can I tell when the hens are done cooking?
The best way to check if the Cornish hens are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; the temperature should reach 185°F (85°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when the thigh is pierced.
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).