This Glazed Cornish Hen is a delightful centerpiece for intimate dinners or special occasions, featuring tender, juicy poultry coated in a vibrant, glossy sauce. The combination of sweet apricot spread, zesty lime juice, salty soy sauce, and warm cinnamon creates a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, sour, and savory notes perfectly. Splitting the hens allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness on the skin. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, providing a sticky, aromatic finish that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or rice. It&# 226;ÂÂs an elegant yet approachable dish that feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough for weeknight cooking.
Glazed Cornish Hen
Description
This Glazed Cornish Hen is a delightful centerpiece for intimate dinners or special occasions, featuring tender, juicy poultry coated in a vibrant, glossy sauce. The combination of sweet apricot spread, zesty lime juice, salty soy sauce, and warm cinnamon creates a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, sour, and savory notes perfectly. Splitting the hens allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness on the skin. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, providing a sticky, aromatic finish that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or rice. It&# 226;ÂÂs an elegant yet approachable dish that feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough for weeknight cooking.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400ðF (200ðC).
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Remove giblets from the Cornish hen cavity and discard. Rinse the hen under cold running water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
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Remove the skin if desired, and trim off any excess fat.
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Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, split the hen in half lengthwise along the breastbone to create two flat halves.
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Place the hen halves, meaty side up, on a rack set inside a shallow roasting pan.
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In a small saucepan, combine the apricot spread, lime juice, soy sauce, and cinnamon.
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Heat the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the apricot spread is melted and the mixture is smooth and pourable. Set aside.
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Brush both halves of the hen generously with about 2 tablespoons of the apricot mixture.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ðF (74ðC) and juices run clear.
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Remove the pan from the oven. Spoon the remaining warm apricot glaze over the roasted hens.
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Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly, then serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 7.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 141.1mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.7g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
- Sugars 1.1g
- Protein 0.4g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Ensure the hen is patted very dry before seasoning and roasting to achieve crispy skin.
If the apricot spread is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to the saucepan to help it melt smoothly.
For extra flavor, you can marinate the hens in the glaze for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before roasting, reserving some glaze for basting after cooking to ensure food safety.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
Serve with roasted root vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
