Game Hens A L'Orange
Succulent Cornish game hens glazed with a tangy orange sauce, accented by tarragon and pecans, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place game hens, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in a 350°F oven for 1 hour or until done.
- Keep warm.
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice concentrate, chicken stock, and cornstarch mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Add crumbled dried tarragon, butter sprinkles, and chopped pecans.
- Heat thoroughly.
- Split cooked hens in half.
- Spoon some of the orange sauce over each half and sprinkle with remaining butter sprinkles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the game hens in the orange juice concentrate and tarragon overnight. If you don’t have butter flavor sprinkles, you can use melted butter or omit them altogether. Consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth, or substitute chicken stock with low-sodium broth for a lighter version. This dish pairs beautifully with Hungarian Chicken Paprikash for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the game hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice, such as Spanish Rice (Low Sugar, Salt And Fat), make excellent accompaniments, absorbing the flavorful orange sauce beautifully. A glass of white wine or a light beer can enhance the meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the game hen halves in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Game Hens A L'Orange contains roughly 834 calories, with 28g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 whole chickens instead of game hens?
Yes, you can use whole chickens, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will take longer to roast. Aim for about 1.5 to 2 hours at 350°F, depending on the size. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for orange juice concentrate?
You can use fresh orange juice, but reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly to maintain the sauce's consistency. Alternatively, a mixture of orange juice and a splash of honey can mimic the sweetness of the concentrate.
How do I know when the game hens are done cooking?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; the temperature should read 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when you cut into the meat.
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).