Glazed Cornish Hens are an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate a meal at home. These small, tender birds are roasted to perfection, then brushed with a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is a succulent, golden-brown exterior with juicy, flavorful meat inside. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning a romantic dinner for two, Glazed Cornish Hens make for an impressive and delicious centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (or thyme)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a roasting pan with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Hens:
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub each hen with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper inside and out. Stuff each hen with a quarter of a lemon, a sprig of rosemary, and two garlic cloves.
- Tie and Arrange:
- If desired, tie the legs of the hens together with kitchen twine for a neater presentation. Place the hens breast-side up on a roasting rack inside the prepared roasting pan.
- Roast the Hens:
- Roast the Cornish hens in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin starts to turn golden brown.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the hens are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, melted butter, chopped rosemary (if using), and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
- Glaze the Hens:
- After the initial roasting time, remove the hens from the oven and brush them generously with the glaze. Return the hens to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes, brushing with glaze every 10 minutes, until the hens are fully cooked and the glaze has caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the Glazed Cornish Hens rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve whole or halved, with the remaining glaze drizzled over the top if desired.
Glazed Cornish Hens are a beautiful and delicious dish that’s sure to impress your guests or loved ones. The combination of tender, juicy meat and a sweet-savory glaze makes these hens a perfect choice for any special meal.
