Roasted Cornish Hens With Coriander Glaze
Juicy roasted Cornish hens glazed with a flavorful coriander honey and lime marinade, perfect for gatherings and family dinners with bold, citrusy, and aromatic notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove giblets from the Cornish hens.
- Rinse and pat the hens dry.
- In a bowl, combine rum, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, ground coriander seed, salt, and black pepper to make the glaze.
- Place hens in a roasting pan and season with additional salt, ground pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
- Brush the hens generously with the coriander glaze.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until the hens are cooked through and golden brown, basting occasionally with the glaze.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the Cornish hens in the glaze for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have rum, you can substitute it with apple juice for a different but complementary flavor. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey according to your taste. Using fresh coriander instead of ground can also provide a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted Cornish hens with a side of roasted vegetables or a refreshing salad. They pair beautifully with Hot Apple Spice Drink for a warm, festive touch. For a complete meal, consider offering Lemon Jello Dessert as a light and fruity finish. Garnish the hens with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover roasted Cornish hens should be cooled to room temperature before storing. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roasted Cornish Hens With Coriander Glaze contains roughly 424 calories, with 20g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (182% of the Daily Value), iron (111% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 51g 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 other types of birds instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can substitute Cornish hens with small chickens or game hens, but cooking times may vary. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust the glaze quantity to fit the size of the bird you choose.
How can I ensure the Cornish hens stay moist while roasting?
Basting the hens with the glaze every 15 minutes while roasting helps keep them moist and flavorful. Additionally, covering the hens with foil for the first half of the cooking time can prevent them from drying out.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and marinate the hens a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before roasting. This will enhance the flavor and ease the cooking process on the day of serving.
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).