Peach-Glazed Cornish Hen With Ginger
Juicy Cornish hens glazed with a sweet and tangy peach-ginger sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions, blending fruity, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place hens skin side up in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with salt and broil 6 inches from heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until skin is lightly browned.
- Combine chopped dried peaches, orange juice, green onion, grated ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, and vegetable oil in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the peach-ginger sauce over the hens.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 minutes or until the hens are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the Cornish hens in the peach-ginger sauce for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have dried peaches, apricots or figs can work as substitutes. Ensure to monitor the hens while broiling to avoid burning, as broiler settings can vary. Fresh ginger is preferred for its zest, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the peach-glazed Cornish hens with a side of Wild Rice With Scallions And Cranberries to complement the sweet glaze. A crisp salad or Red Onion Potato Salad(Thanks To Ann Tyrell) would also make a refreshing contrast. Garnish with additional green onions for color and serve with lime wedges for an extra citrus kick.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover peach-glazed Cornish hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For best results, cover with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peach-Glazed Cornish Hen With Ginger contains roughly 296 calories, with 4g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2003mg per serving (87% 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 poultry instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can substitute Cornish hens with small chickens or even game hens. Cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I use if I don't have fresh ginger?
If fresh ginger isn't available, ground ginger can be used as an alternative. Use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger called for in the recipe. However, the flavor will differ slightly, so adjust according to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Cook the hens and let them cool before dividing into portions. Pair with sides like steamed vegetables or grains for a complete meal. Just remember to store the sauce separately to keep the hens from becoming soggy.
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).