Back to list

Best Easy Citrus-Glazed Cornish Hens Recipe

Name: Best Easy Citrus-Glazed Cornish Hens Recipe
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 270 g
Ingredients: Cornish hens 4 pieces; Orange juice 0.5 cup; Lemon juice 0.25 cup; Butter, unsalted 2 tbsp; Olive oil 2 tbsp; Honey 3 tbsp; Garlic, minced 2 cloves; Salt 2 tsp; Black pepper 1 tsp; Fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tsp

Bright, citrus-glazed Cornish hens with a tangy-sweet finish are a high protein, elegant family dinner. These individual-portion birds make entertaining effortless and impressive.

Cook 85 min Difficulty NORMAL 345 kcal

#high protein #elegant dinner #family meal #entertaining

Image coming soon

Ingredients

Main ingredients

Cornish hens 4 pieces
Orange juice 0.5 cup
Lemon juice 0.25 cup
Butter, unsalted 2 tbsp
Olive oil 2 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

Honey 3 tbsp
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Salt 2 tsp
Black pepper 1 tsp
Fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 16 g 18%

Protein 28 g 32%

Fat 16 g 50%

Serving size 270g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels for better browning.
2

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add orange juice, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and half the rosemary; simmer until syrupy, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3

Rub the hens with olive oil, then season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and the remaining rosemary, making sure to season cavity and skin evenly.
4

Arrange hens breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan; brush generously with half the citrus glaze, reserving the rest.
5

Roast for 45 minutes, basting twice with remaining glaze. Increase oven to 425°F for the last 10 minutes, roasting until the skin is golden and the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What is the key ingredient that gives Citrus-Glazed Cornish Hens their unique flavor?

The star ingredients here are freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices, which create the signature bright, tangy-sweet glaze for the Cornish hens. When combined with a touch of honey, the citrus notes infuse the hens with both depth and freshness, setting this dish apart from traditional roasted poultry.

Q. How can I ensure the hens stay juicy and not overcooked?

For optimal juiciness, roast the hens breast-side up at 400°F and brush with citrus glaze at intervals. In the final 10 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F for crisp skin, but always check the thickest part of the thigh for a temperature of 165°F. Resting the hens before serving helps keep the juices inside.

Q. What is the texture of the finished hens, and how do I avoid dry meat?

Perfectly cooked Cornish hens will have golden, crisp skin and moist, tender meat inside. To prevent dryness, apply olive oil and sufficient glaze, do not overcook beyond 165°F internal temperature, and allow a 10-minute rest before carving.

Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving of this dish provide?

Each serving of Citrus-Glazed Cornish Hens has approximately 345 kcal and supplies 28g of protein. Protein provides about 32% of the total calories, making this a high-protein option for a special dinner.

Best Easy Citrus-Glazed Cornish Hens Recipe

AI 영양사 앤디