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Glazed Cornish Hens

Glazed Cornish Hens recipe image
These Glazed Cornish Hens offer a perfect balance of savory meat and sweet, aromatic glaze. The tender game hens are roasted until golden brown, then brushed with a rich mixture of apple jelly and warm cinnamon. Served alongside a fluffy bed of wild rice studded with crisp celery and halved red grapes, this dish brings a festive yet homey feel to the table. The addition of toasted cashews adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Ideal for intimate dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe combines classic flavors with elegant presentation, creating a memorable meal that feels both comforting and special.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 309.8
Dietary: Gluten-free, None, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
These Glazed Cornish Hens offer a perfect balance of savory meat and sweet, aromatic glaze. The tender game hens are roasted until golden brown, then brushed with a rich mixture of apple jelly and warm cinnamon. Served alongside a fluffy bed of wild rice studded with crisp celery and halved red grapes, this dish brings a festive yet homey feel to the table. The addition of toasted cashews adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Ideal for intimate dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe combines classic flavors with elegant presentation, creating a memorable meal that feels both comforting and special.
Ingredients
  • 2 whole Cornish game hens, split in half
  • 1/2 cup Apple jelly
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1 package Wild rice blend mix (including seasoning packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups Red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup Unsalted cashews, chopped
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175°C).
  2. 2
    In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup apple jelly and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the jelly is melted and smooth. Set aside.
  3. 3
    Place cornish hen halves, skin side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
  4. 4
    Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  5. 5
    Remove pan from oven, brush hens generously with the warm jelly-cinnamon mixture.
  6. 6
    Return to oven and roast for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until skin is browned and meat is tender and cooked through.
  7. 7
    While hens are roasting, prepare the wild rice mix according to package directions.
  8. 8
    Once rice is cooked, stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of apple jelly, halved grapes, and sliced celery. Toss gently to combine.
  9. 9
    Serve the glazed hens alongside the wild rice salad, sprinkled with chopped cashews.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 309.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.8g16%
Saturated Fat 1.7g9%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 25.0mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 54.8g19%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g15%
Sugars 33.3g
Protein 6.8g14%

* 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

For extra crispy skin, you can broil the hens for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of apple jelly or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.

Leftover hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Wild rice blends cook faster than pure wild rice; follow package instructions for best texture.

Keywords: cornish hens, game hens, apple jelly, cinnamon glaze, wild rice, grapes, cashews, celery, roasted poultry, holiday dinner, easy roast, sweet and savory
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/glazed-cornish-hens/