Honey-Apple Glazed Hens With Rice Pilaf
Honey-apple glazed hens served with flavorful rice pilaf offer a tender, savory, and subtly sweet dish perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. Cornish hens ⓘ
- 1/4 cup wild rice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups no-salt added chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled, diced golden Delicious apple ⓘ
- 2/3 cup long grain brown rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped dried apple ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind ⓘ
- fresh rosemary sprig (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove and discard giblets from the hens.
- Rinse hens under cold running water and pat dry.
- Remove skin and trim excess fat from the hens; split them in half lengthwise.
- Cook the wild rice in chicken broth according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Add peeled, diced apples and dried apple to the skillet and cook until slightly softened.
- Combine cooked wild rice and long grain brown rice, then season with salt.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, apple juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and lemon rind; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Brush the hens with honey-apple glaze and bake or roast until cooked through and golden.
- Serve the glazed hens over the rice pilaf, garnished with fresh rosemary if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the hens in the honey-apple glaze for a few hours before cooking. If wild rice isn't available, substitute with quinoa or another grain. For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked rice. Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Honey-Apple Glazed Hens over the rice pilaf for a complete meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the sweetness of the dish. A refreshing drink like Fast And Festive Fruit Punch complements this dish well, making it ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover glazed hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave the hens, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey-Apple Glazed Hens With Rice Pilaf contains roughly 347 calories, with 18g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value) and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg per serving (52% 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 fruits instead of apples in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruit is firm enough to hold its shape during cooking. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze accordingly, especially if using sweeter fruits.
What can I serve with the Honey-Apple Glazed Hens?
In addition to rice pilaf, consider serving roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. The sweetness of the glaze pairs well with savory sides, so think about incorporating ingredients like Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens for balance.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hens and glaze ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and when ready to serve, simply bake the hens after applying the glaze. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
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).