Teriyaki Cornish Hens
Juicy Cornish hens stuffed with a flavorful rice and apricot mixture are glazed with a sweet teriyaki sauce, perfect for an elegant and aromatic meal for family or guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1-quart casserole, combine cornstarch, brown sugar, dry mustard, and ginger.
- Blend in teriyaki sauce and orange juice; stir until smooth.
- Cook or microwave until thickened, stirring every minute.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Remove giblets from hens; rinse with cold water and pat dry.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine cooked rice and chopped apricots.
- Stuff hens with rice mixture; close cavities and secure.
- Place hens, breast side up, on a trivet in a 3-quart oblong glass baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 70 minutes in a convection oven or longer in a regular oven.
- Baste hens with teriyaki sauce every 15 minutes during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker glaze, let the teriyaki sauce mixture cook a bit longer before using. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Consider using a quick stir-fry with leftover rice and veggies for a delicious side dish that complements the flavors of the hens.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the teriyaki Cornish hens with a side of long grain and wild rice mix, which can soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh salad, such as Chinese 24 Hour Vegetable Salad, pairs beautifully, adding crunch and a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider some Szechwan Green Beans on the side.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Teriyaki Cornish Hens contains roughly 538 calories, with 4g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of poultry instead of Cornish hens?
Yes, you can substitute with small chickens or game hens, though cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the poultry to ensure it's cooked through.
What can I do with leftover teriyaki sauce?
Leftover teriyaki sauce is perfect for marinating vegetables or meats for a quick stir-fry. You can also drizzle it over steamed rice or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?
The Cornish hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. You can also check that the juices run clear when pierced. Let rest for a few minutes before carving.
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).