Golden Citrus Bliss: Honey-Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens 🍯🍊

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:

Instructions:

1. 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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2. Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the salt, dried basil, and allspice, mixing them together thoroughly to create a flavorful seasoning blend.

3. Season the Hens: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture both inside and outside of each Cornish hen, ensuring every inch is kissed with those aromatic flavors.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.