Description
This Honey Glazed Cornish Hens recipe delivers tender, flavorful poultry with a beautifully caramelized honey glaze. The hens are seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs, roasted to perfection with a moistening broth or wine base, and glazed halfway through cooking to achieve a golden, sweet, and savory crust. Perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion, this dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Cornish Hens
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 lemon, quartered
Roasting Liquid
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot roasting environment for crispy skin and tender meat.
- Prepare the Cornish Hens: Pat the hens dry with paper towels to remove moisture for better browning. Rub each hen all over with olive oil, then generously season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Insert a quarter of lemon into the cavity of each hen for added aroma and moisture.
- Roast the Hens: Place the hens on a rack set in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet. Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the pan; this keeps the hens moist during roasting. Roast in the oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Make the Honey Glaze: While the hens roast, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Hens: After 25 minutes of roasting, remove the hens from the oven and brush them generously with the honey glaze. Return them to the oven and continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with additional glaze. This creates a golden and caramelized skin.
- Rest the Hens: Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy meat.
- Serve: Serve the honey glazed Cornish hens whole or halved. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for safe and perfect cooking.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with white wine or vice versa to vary flavor.
- Smoked paprika in the glaze adds a subtle smoky depth, but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Basting regularly helps achieve a sticky, flavorful glaze and crispy skin.
- Letting the hens rest is crucial to keep the meat juicy.
