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Honey Glazed Cornish Hens Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Honey Glazed Cornish Hens recipe features tender, juicy poultry roasted to perfection with a sweet and savory honey glaze. Infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs, these hens make an elegant main dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, delivering a beautiful golden brown crust and rich flavors.

Ingredients

Hens

  • 2 Cornish hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)

Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for roasting the hens evenly.
  2. Prepare the Hens: Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place each hen breast-side up in a roasting pan.
  3. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
  4. Apply the Glaze: Generously brush the honey glaze over the entire surface of each hen, making sure to coat all sides for maximum flavor and moisture.
  5. Roast the Hens: Place the hens in the preheated oven and roast for 50 to 60 minutes. Every 20 minutes, baste the hens with the pan juices to keep the meat moist and build up a flavorful glaze.
  6. Check for Doneness: The hens are done when their skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest the Hens: Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs before serving for a decorative and aromatic touch.

Notes

  • The honey glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
  • For extra crisp skin, broil the hens for the last 3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/honey-glazed-cornish-hens-recipe/