Honey-Orange Cornish Game Hens 🍯🍊
Overview:
Delight in these succulent Cornish game hens, enveloped in a luscious buttery honey-orange glaze, creating a delightful juxtaposition of crispy exteriors and tender, juicy meat within. This recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner with your significant other, especially when accompanied by a fragrant rice pilaf and a side of vibrant veggies.
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 16 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 6 minutes
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Cornish game hens |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 tsp | Dried basil |
| 1/2 tsp | Allspice |
| 1/2 | Orange |
| 1/2 cup | Water |
| 2 tbsp | Honey |
| 1 tbsp | Butter |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures your hens will cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown hue.
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Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the salt, dried basil, and allspice, mixing them together thoroughly to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
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Season the Hens: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture both inside and outside of each Cornish hen, ensuring every inch is kissed with those aromatic flavors.
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Orange Infusion: Now, let’s introduce a burst of citrusy goodness! Cut the orange into quarters and stuff one quarter into each hen cavity. This will infuse the meat with a zesty tanginess that perfectly complements the honey glaze.
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Prepare the Pan: Place the seasoned hens in a roasting pan, ensuring they have ample space to roast to perfection. Pour the water into the pan, which will help keep the hens moist and succulent during the cooking process.
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Honey-Orange Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, butter, and orange juice concentrate. Allow this heavenly concoction to simmer gently until it thickens into a glossy glaze, infusing every bite with sweet, citrusy goodness.
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Drizzle and Roast: Drizzle about half of the honey-orange glaze over the Cornish hens, ensuring they are generously coated. Then, pop them into the preheated oven, uncovered, and let them roast for approximately 25 minutes.
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Baste and Finish: After 25 minutes of roasting, give the hens a little love by basting them with the remaining honey-orange glaze. Continue to roast for an additional 25 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the hens are no longer pink inside.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once perfectly roasted and irresistibly aromatic, transfer the hens to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of elegance. Serve alongside your favorite sides, like fluffy rice pilaf and crisp, tender veggies, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1329.5
- Fat: 54.2g
- Saturated Fat: 31.2g
- Cholesterol: 339.5mg
- Sodium: 1666.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 171.1g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 168.8g
- Protein: 51g
Recipe Notes:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan.
- To ensure even cooking, you can truss the hens with kitchen twine before roasting.
- Don’t forget to let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a delicious meal the next day.
