There’s a certain magic to serving individual Cornish hens. They instantly elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary, making even a weeknight dinner feel special. And let me tell you, this Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze recipe is pure enchantment. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was looking for something a little different for a small holiday gathering. Tired of the usual turkey or ham, I wanted something impressive yet manageable. These little birds were the answer! The aroma that filled my kitchen as they roasted was intoxicating – a blend of sweet citrus and savory herbs. And the taste? Absolutely divine. The citrus glaze creates a beautiful, glossy sheen on the skin, and the meat is incredibly juicy and flavorful, infused with the bright tang of orange and lime. My family devoured them, and even the picky eaters were asking for seconds. This recipe has become a go-to in my repertoire for special occasions, and honestly, sometimes just because we deserve a little bit of deliciousness. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both impressive and approachable, look no further – these Citrus Glazed Cornish Hens are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

This Cornish Hen with Citrus Glaze recipe relies on a harmonious blend of simple, fresh ingredients to create a complex and delightful flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Let’s break down each ingredient and explore why it’s essential to the success of this dish:

4 Cornish game hens, 1 ¼ to 1 ½ lbs. each, completely thawed: The star of the show! Cornish hens are essentially miniature chickens, offering a single-serving portion that’s both elegant and satisfying. Choosing hens within the specified weight range ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy. Crucially, make sure they are completely thawed. Frozen hens will not cook properly and can lead to uneven cooking and potentially unsafe internal temperatures. Thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is the safest and most recommended method. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water thawing method, but ensure you change the water every 30 minutes and cook them immediately after thawing.
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Olive oil is used to brush the skin of the hens, promoting crispy, golden-brown skin during roasting. Extra-virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and higher smoke point compared to other oils. It also adds a subtle fruity note that complements the citrus glaze beautifully. You can substitute with another neutral oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if needed, but olive oil truly enhances the overall flavor.
Salt + freshly ground black pepper, to taste: These are the foundational seasonings for any good poultry dish. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the Cornish hens and helps to draw out moisture, resulting in juicier meat. Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Generously season both the inside and outside of the hens to ensure they are flavorful throughout. Using freshly ground pepper is highly recommended as it offers a brighter and more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
¾ cup honey: Honey is the primary sweetener in the citrus glaze, providing a natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy sheen. Its floral notes complement the citrus flavors perfectly and it caramelizes beautifully during broiling, adding depth of flavor and visual appeal. Choose a good quality honey for the best results; wildflower or clover honey works particularly well. You can adjust the amount of honey slightly to your preference, depending on how sweet you like your glaze.
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami depth to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the citrus. Using low-sodium soy sauce is important to control the saltiness of the glaze and prevent it from becoming overpowering. The soy sauce also contributes to the rich, amber color of the glaze. If you are sensitive to soy, you can try using tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos as a substitute, although these may slightly alter the flavor profile.
⅓ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed recommended: Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential for the bright, vibrant citrus flavor of the glaze. The natural sweetness and acidity of fresh orange juice are far superior to bottled juice, which can often taste artificial and lack depth. The orange juice provides a foundational citrus note that is both refreshing and aromatic. If using store-bought juice, opt for 100% pure orange juice and avoid juices with added sugars or preservatives.
¼ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed recommended: Lime juice adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the orange and honey, creating a well-rounded and complex citrus profile. Like orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended for its superior flavor and brightness. The lime juice adds a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the honey and soy sauce, preventing the glaze from becoming overly sweet. If using store-bought juice, choose 100% pure lime juice.
3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water: This cornstarch slurry acts as the thickening agent for the citrus glaze. When combined with heat, cornstarch gelatinizes and creates a smooth, glossy, and viscous sauce. It’s crucial to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce to prevent lumps from forming. The cornstarch ensures that the glaze coats the Cornish hens beautifully and doesn’t become too thin and watery.

By using these high-quality ingredients and following the recipe instructions carefully, you’ll be well on your way to creating incredibly flavorful and impressive Citrus Glazed Cornish Hens.

Instructions

This recipe for Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Each step is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked, juicy hens with a luscious, flavorful glaze. Let’s walk through each instruction in detail:

Adjust a rack to the center position of the oven and preheat the oven to 425°F. Setting your oven to the correct temperature and rack position is fundamental for even cooking. The center rack position ensures that the hens are cooked evenly from all sides. Preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C) is crucial for achieving crispy skin and ensuring the hens cook through in a reasonable timeframe. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before placing the hens inside; this can take around 15-20 minutes for most ovens. Using an oven thermometer is a good way to ensure your oven is accurately reaching the desired temperature.
Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and brush the skin of each hen with extra-virgin olive oil (1 T. per hen). Generously sprinkle the Cornish hens with salt and pepper, inside and out. Place the hens (breast sides up) on a rack in a large roasting pan, ensuring that there is space between the hens for air circulation. Tuck the wings under and truss (tie together) the legs. This step is all about prepping the hens for optimal roasting. Patting the hens dry is essential because moisture on the skin will steam the hens instead of allowing them to crisp up. Using paper towels, thoroughly dry both the inside cavity and the exterior skin of each hen. Brushing with olive oil further promotes crispy skin and adds flavor. Generously seasoning with salt and pepper, inside and out, is crucial for flavor penetration. Don’t be afraid to be liberal with your seasoning. Placing the hens on a rack inside a roasting pan allows for air circulation around the hens, which is vital for even cooking and crispy skin. Make sure there is space between the hens; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Tucking the wings under helps to prevent them from burning and keeps the hens compact and visually appealing. Trussing (tying together) the legs also helps to create a more uniform shape for even cooking and presentation. You can use kitchen twine to truss the legs, or simply tuck the leg ends into the cavity of the hen if you prefer.
Roast for 50 to 70 minutes until the juices run clear and the hens register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer (inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone). Keep an eye on the hens towards the end of the cooking time, and if they are getting too brown before they reach temperature, you may tent the roasting pan with foil. Roasting is the heart of this recipe, and cooking the hens to the correct internal temperature is paramount for both safety and optimal texture. The roasting time of 50 to 70 minutes is a guideline, and the actual time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the hens. The most reliable way to determine doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Juices running clear when pierced with a fork is another indicator of doneness, but the thermometer is the most accurate method. Keep an eye on the hens as they roast. If they are browning too quickly before reaching the internal temperature, you can loosely tent the roasting pan with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning. Tenting helps to slow down the browning process while allowing the hens to continue cooking through.
Just before the hens are done, combine the honey, soy sauce, orange juice, and lime juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water with a fork until smooth. Whisk the sauce continuously while slowly pouring in the cornstarch slurry. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is thick and glossy. Remove from the heat and cover the saucepan to keep the glaze warm. Preparing the citrus glaze while the hens are roasting ensures that it’s fresh and warm when you’re ready to glaze them. Combining the honey, soy sauce, orange juice, and lime juice in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil allows the flavors to meld together. Boiling also helps to reduce the liquid slightly, concentrating the flavors. Mixing the cornstarch and water separately (making a slurry) is crucial to prevent lumps in the glaze. Whisking the slurry into the boiling sauce while stirring continuously ensures that the cornstarch is evenly distributed and thickens the glaze smoothly. Simmering the glaze for just 1 to 2 minutes is usually sufficient to thicken it to a glossy, sauce-like consistency. Avoid overcooking the glaze, as it can become too thick and gummy. Once thickened, remove the glaze from the heat and cover the saucepan to keep it warm until you’re ready to use it.
When the hens are cooked through, remove them from the oven, adjust the oven rack to a position 6 inches below the heating element, and preheat the broiler. Thickly coat each hen with citrus glaze and broil for a couple minutes, carefully watching the entire time, until the glaze is bubbly. Allow the hens to rest for 10 minutes and serve with the remaining glaze on the side. Broiling is the final step that creates the beautiful, bubbly, caramelized glaze on the Cornish hens. Adjusting the oven rack to 6 inches below the broiler ensures that the hens are close enough to the heat to caramelize the glaze quickly without burning. Preheating the broiler ensures that it’s hot enough to achieve the desired effect. Thickly coating each hen with the citrus glaze ensures maximum flavor and visual appeal. Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously apply the glaze all over the hens. Broiling should only take a couple of minutes and requires close attention. The glaze can burn quickly under the broiler, so watch the hens carefully and remove them from the oven as soon as the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Allowing the hens to rest for 10 minutes before serving is essential. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful hens. Serve the hens immediately after resting, with any remaining glaze on the side for drizzling.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to confidently prepare perfectly roasted Cornish Hens with a delicious Citrus Glaze that will impress your family and guests.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen
Calories: 862kcal

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

This nutritional breakdown provides a general overview of what to expect per serving of Cornish Hen with Citrus Glaze. It’s important to note that these are estimates and can fluctuate slightly based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, as well as the exact size of the Cornish hens.

Servings: This recipe is designed to serve 4 people, with each person receiving one Cornish hen. This makes it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Calories: At 862 calories per serving, this is a moderately calorie-dense meal, primarily due to the fat content from the Cornish hen and the carbohydrates from the honey glaze. If you are watching your calorie intake, you can adjust the portion size or modify the recipe slightly to reduce calories. For example, you could use less honey in the glaze or remove the skin from the hens before serving.

Important Considerations:

Macronutrients: While the recipe doesn’t provide a detailed macronutrient breakdown (protein, carbohydrates, fat), we can infer that it is likely relatively high in protein from the Cornish hen, moderate in carbohydrates from the honey and citrus juices, and moderate to high in fat, depending on the fat content of the hens and the olive oil used.
Sodium: The recipe includes soy sauce, which is a source of sodium. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps to control the sodium content, but it’s still something to be mindful of if you are watching your sodium intake.
Sugar: The honey in the glaze contributes to the sugar content of the dish. While honey is a natural sweetener, it’s still a form of sugar, so moderation is key, especially for individuals managing blood sugar levels.
Overall Healthfulness: Cornish hens are a good source of lean protein and essential nutrients like selenium and B vitamins. Olive oil is a healthy fat. The citrus juices provide Vitamin C and antioxidants. However, the added honey and soy sauce do contribute to added sugars and sodium.

Making it Healthier:

If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, here are a few modifications you can consider:

Reduce Honey: Decrease the amount of honey in the glaze to reduce the sugar content. You can start by reducing it by ¼ cup and adjust to taste.
Skinless Hens: Removing the skin from the Cornish hens before serving will significantly reduce the fat content. However, the skin contributes to flavor and crispness, so this will alter the texture and taste.
Increase Vegetables: Serve the Cornish hens with a generous portion of non-starchy vegetables like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal.
Whole Grain Sides: Pair the hens with whole grain sides like quinoa, brown rice, or roasted sweet potatoes instead of refined grains to increase fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Remember that enjoying a balanced diet is about overall eating patterns rather than focusing on individual meals in isolation. This Cornish Hen with Citrus Glaze can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation and paired with nutritious sides.

Preparation Time

This Cornish Hen with Citrus Glaze recipe is surprisingly manageable in terms of preparation time, making it a great option even for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated time commitment:

Prep Time: 20 minutes The prep time primarily involves thawing the Cornish hens (if frozen), patting them dry, brushing them with olive oil, seasoning them, and preparing the citrus glaze ingredients. This is a relatively quick and easy process. If your hens are already thawed, the prep time can be even shorter.
Cook Time: 1 hour The cooking time refers to the roasting time in the oven. The recipe specifies 50 to 70 minutes, but it’s important to rely on an instant-read thermometer to ensure the hens reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The actual cook time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the hens.
Resting Time: 10 minutes Resting time is crucial after roasting any meat, including Cornish hens. Allowing the hens to rest for 10 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. This resting time is passive, meaning you don’t need to actively do anything during this period.
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes The total time encompasses the prep time, cook time, and resting time. At 1 hour and 30 minutes, this recipe is certainly achievable for a weeknight dinner, especially considering the impressive results.

Time-Saving Tips:

Thaw Ahead: Ensure your Cornish hens are fully thawed before you plan to cook them. Thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is the safest and most convenient method. This will significantly reduce your prep time on the day of cooking.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: You can squeeze the orange and lime juice, measure out the honey and soy sauce, and prepare the cornstarch slurry ahead of time. Store these prepped ingredients in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start cooking.
One-Pan Sides: To streamline your cooking process, consider roasting vegetables alongside the Cornish hens in the same roasting pan. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions are excellent choices and can roast alongside the hens beautifully. Just be mindful of the cooking times of the vegetables and hens and adjust accordingly.
Make Glaze Ahead (Partially): You can combine the honey, soy sauce, orange juice, and lime juice in the saucepan earlier in the day. Just wait to add the cornstarch slurry and thicken the glaze until closer to serving time. This will save you a few minutes during the final stages of cooking.

Despite its impressive presentation and delicious flavor, this Cornish Hen with Citrus Glaze recipe is surprisingly efficient in terms of preparation time. With a little planning and these time-saving tips, you can easily bring this elegant dish to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze

Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal occasions. Their individual portion size makes them naturally elegant and easy to plate. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

Classic Holiday Meal:

Roasted Root Vegetables: Pair the Cornish hens with classic roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings and roast them alongside the hens for a complete and satisfying meal.
Stuffing or Dressing: Serve with your favorite stuffing or dressing recipe. A traditional bread stuffing with herbs or a wild rice pilaf would complement the citrus glaze beautifully.
Cranberry Sauce: A classic cranberry sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, provides a tart and sweet counterpoint to the savory hens and citrus glaze.
Green Bean Casserole or Roasted Asparagus: Add a green vegetable side dish like green bean casserole or roasted asparagus to complete the holiday feast.
Dinner Rolls or Bread: Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the delicious citrus glaze and pan juices.

Elegant Dinner Party:

Wild Rice Pilaf: Serve the hens atop a bed of flavorful wild rice pilaf with dried cranberries, pecans, and herbs. This adds a sophisticated touch and textural contrast.
Creamy Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: Creamy polenta or smooth mashed potatoes provide a comforting and elegant base for the Cornish hens and citrus glaze.
Sautéed Spinach or Asparagus: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic or grilled asparagus spears offer a fresh and vibrant green vegetable side dish.
Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad with segments of oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins, dressed with a light vinaigrette, can complement the citrus flavors of the hens.
White Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will pair beautifully with the citrus and poultry flavors.

Weeknight Family Dinner:

Simple Roasted Potatoes: Keep it easy with simple roasted potatoes tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They are a crowd-pleasing and fuss-free side dish.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Steamed broccoli or green beans are quick and healthy vegetable sides that pair well with the hens.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the hens with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the citrus glaze.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing and light accompaniment.
Cornbread or Biscuits: Warm cornbread or biscuits are comforting and family-friendly sides that complement the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the hens.

Garnishing Ideas:

Fresh Herbs: Garnish the plated Cornish hens with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary sprigs for visual appeal and a touch of freshness.
Orange or Lime Slices: Thin slices of orange or lime can be used to garnish the plates and reinforce the citrus theme.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top of the glaze adds a nutty flavor and visual interest.
Chopped Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions provide a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor.

Serving Tip:

Extra Glaze on the Side: Always serve extra citrus glaze on the side so guests can drizzle more over their hens as desired. The glaze is so delicious, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty to go around!

No matter how you choose to serve them, Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze are sure to be a hit. Their elegant presentation and delicious flavor make them a standout dish for any occasion.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze

To ensure your Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze turn out perfectly every time, here are five additional tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: As mentioned in the instructions, ensuring proper air circulation around the Cornish hens is crucial for achieving crispy skin and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the roasting pan. If your roasting pan is too small to comfortably fit all four hens with space between them, roast them in two batches or use two separate roasting pans. Overcrowding will trap steam and prevent the hens from browning and crisping up properly.
Use an Oven Thermometer (and Trust It): Oven temperatures can vary, and relying solely on the oven’s thermostat setting may not be accurate. Investing in an oven thermometer and placing it inside your oven will give you a precise reading of the actual oven temperature. This is especially helpful for roasting poultry, where consistent temperature is key. Furthermore, as mentioned before, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens to ensure they are cooked to a safe and delicious 165°F. Don’t rely solely on cooking time; temperature is the most reliable indicator of doneness.
Baste (Optional, but Recommended for Extra Moisture): While this recipe doesn’t explicitly call for basting, basting the Cornish hens with pan juices or a bit of extra olive oil during the roasting process can help to keep them extra moist and enhance the flavor. If you choose to baste, do so every 20-25 minutes during roasting. However, be mindful that opening the oven door too frequently can lower the oven temperature, so limit basting to a few times during the cooking process.
Let the Glaze Thicken Properly: When making the citrus glaze, ensure that it simmers for the recommended 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens to a glossy, sauce-like consistency. The cornstarch needs to be properly activated by the heat to thicken the glaze effectively. If the glaze is too thin, it will run off the hens during broiling and won’t create that beautiful, caramelized coating. If the glaze doesn’t thicken sufficiently after a couple of minutes of simmering, you can whisk in a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry (a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a teaspoon of water) and simmer for another minute, being careful not to over-thicken it.
Watch Broiling Carefully (It’s Quick!): Broiling is a high-heat, quick cooking method, and the citrus glaze can burn easily if you’re not vigilant. Once you place the glazed hens under the broiler, keep a close eye on them and don’t walk away. Broiling should only take a couple of minutes to achieve that bubbly, caramelized glaze. Watch for the glaze to become bubbly and slightly browned, and remove the hens from the oven immediately to prevent burning. Burnt glaze will taste bitter and detract from the overall flavor of the dish.

By keeping these additional tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to create truly exceptional Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze that are perfectly cooked, beautifully glazed, and bursting with flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cornish Hens with Citrus Glaze, along with helpful answers to guide you:

Q1: Can I use frozen Cornish hens?

A: Yes, you can use frozen Cornish hens, but it’s crucial to thaw them completely before cooking. Frozen hens will not cook evenly and can result in undercooked centers and overcooked exteriors. The safest and most recommended method for thawing is to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight (or for about 24 hours). If you need to thaw them more quickly, you can use the cold water method: place the hens in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook the hens immediately after thawing using the cold water method.

Q2: Can I make the citrus glaze ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the citrus glaze ahead of time, which can be a great time-saver. You can make the glaze up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the glaze in a saucepan over low heat until it’s warmed through and smooth. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water if it has thickened too much in the refrigerator.

Q3: Can I substitute different citrus fruits in the glaze?

A: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can definitely experiment with different citrus combinations in the glaze. For example, you could use all orange juice, all lime juice, or try other citrus fruits like grapefruit juice, lemon juice, or tangerine juice. Each citrus fruit will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the glaze, so feel free to customize it to your preferences. A combination of orange and lemon, or grapefruit and lime, could also be delicious.

Q4: How do I know when the Cornish hens are cooked through?

A: The most reliable way to determine if Cornish hens are cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Juices running clear when pierced with a fork is another indicator, but the thermometer is the most accurate method. Don’t rely solely on cooking time, as ovens and hen sizes can vary.

Q5: Can I grill Cornish hens with this citrus glaze instead of roasting?

A: Yes, you can definitely grill Cornish hens with this citrus glaze! Grilling will impart a smoky flavor that complements the citrus beautifully. To grill them, prepare the hens as instructed (pat dry, oil, season). Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the hens over indirect heat (away from direct flames) for about 45-60 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Brush them with the citrus glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, turning them occasionally to ensure even glazing and prevent burning. Watch them carefully as the glaze can caramelize quickly on the grill.

Hopefully, these FAQs have addressed any questions you might have about making this delicious Cornish Hen with Citrus Glaze recipe. Enjoy cooking and savoring this impressive and easy meal!