Golden Citrus Glazed Cornish Game Hens with Pineapple Rice 🍍✨

Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of Broiled Cornish Game Hens! 🍗🍍 This recipe is perfect for those seeking a savory and succulent poultry dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet bursting with flavor. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 10 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Ingredients:

3 Cornish game hens
Lemon pepper
Butter
Margarine
Lemon juice
Pineapple slices
Brown sugar
Rice
Parsley

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 289.1
Fat: 15.6g
- Saturated Fat: 8.3g
Cholesterol: 139.3mg
Sodium: 167.3mg
Carbohydrates: 12.9g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 10.5g
Protein: 24.4g

Instructions:

Preheat the Broiler: Set your broiler to 450°F (232°C). It’s essential to ensure the broiler is adequately heated to achieve that perfect golden brown finish on your game hens!
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Prepare the Hens: Start by removing any giblets from the hens and giving them a good rinse, inside and out. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Halve the Hens: Carefully split each Cornish game hen in half vertically. This step helps the hens cook more evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate throughout.
Season with Lemon Pepper: Sprinkle both sides of each hen half generously with lemon pepper. This zesty seasoning adds a burst of citrusy flavor and a hint of heat to every bite.
Arrange on Broiler Pan: Place the hen halves skin side down on a foil-covered broiler pan. This setup helps catch any drippings and makes cleanup a breeze.
Add Butter and Lemon Juice: Place a tablespoon of butter in each cavity half of the hens. Then, drizzle a tablespoon of lemon juice over each half. These ingredients not only add richness but also help keep the hens moist and flavorful during broiling.
Broil the Hens: Position the broiler pan about 7 inches away from the heat source and broil for 5 minutes. This initial blast of high heat helps sear the outside of the hens, locking in juices and creating a beautiful caramelized crust.
Baste and Continue Broiling: After the first 5 minutes, baste the hens with the juices from the pan. Continue broiling for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the hens to cook through and develop that irresistible golden hue.
Turn and Baste Again: Carefully flip the hen halves over and baste them once more. Continue broiling for another 15 minutes, basting 1 to 2 times during this period. This ensures that both sides of the hens are evenly cooked and infused with flavor.
Add Pineapple and Sugar: Now, it’s time to introduce a touch of sweetness! Arrange pineapple slices around the hens on the broiler pan and sprinkle them with brown sugar. Make sure to include the pineapple juice for extra flavor. Broil for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the pineapple to caramelize slightly.
Prepare the Rice: While the hens are finishing up in the broiler, mix chopped parsley with cooked rice. This aromatic herb adds freshness and color to the rice, complementing the flavors of the dish perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the hens are cooked through and the pineapple is beautifully caramelized, it’s time to plate up! Serve the hens over the parsley rice, garnished with pineapple slices and pan drippings for gravy. Don’t forget to add some lemon wedges or slices for an extra burst of citrus flavor!
Savor the Flavor: Sit back, relax, and savor every mouthful of this delectable Broiled Cornish Game Hens dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its juicy, tender meat and irresistible blend of savory and sweet flavors.