Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
Juicy Cornish hens glazed with sweet orange marmalade and honey, stuffed with flavorful cornbread and walnuts, perfect for elegant family dinners or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare cornbread according to package directions.
- Add walnut pieces to the cooked cornbread.
- Place each Cornish hen on individual pieces of foil and stuff with the cornbread dressing.
- Lightly baste the hens with honey.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of orange marmalade over each hen.
- Wrap the hens in foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cornbread stuffing. If you don’t have walnut pieces, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Ensure the hens are fully thawed before cooking for even heat distribution.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange glazed Cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the sweetness. Mashed potatoes or wild rice also make excellent accompaniments. For a festive touch, pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea like Aram'S Smile: Ice Tea for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, wrap the hens in foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For best results, avoid using the microwave as it can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Glazed Cornish Hens contains roughly 499 calories, with 27g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 666mg per serving (29% 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 types of stuffing instead of cornbread?
Absolutely! While cornbread stuffing adds a unique flavor, you can use any stuffing mix you prefer, such as traditional bread stuffing or even a wild rice blend. Just ensure it complements the flavors of the orange glaze.
What can I do if I can't find orange marmalade?
If orange marmalade is unavailable, you can substitute it with orange preserves or even apricot jam for a similar sweetness. Mixing in a bit of fresh orange juice can also help enhance the citrus flavor.
How long should I cook the hens if they are larger than average?
If your Cornish hens are larger than the standard size, you may need to increase the baking time. A good rule of thumb is to cook them for about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F. Always check the internal temperature to reach at least 165°F for safety.
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).