Best 2 Honey Poppy Seed Cornish Hens Recipes

Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey into the realm of Honey Poppy Seed Cornish Hens, where succulent Cornish hens are elevated to gastronomic heights. This article presents a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas, offering a trio of delectable recipes that cater to diverse palates and preferences. Prepare to embark on a sensory adventure as we unveil the secrets behind this extraordinary dish, exploring the delicate balance of sweet and savory, the crunch of poppy seeds, and the moist, tender meat of the Cornish hens. Whether you seek a classic rendition, a tangy twist, or a hint of smokiness, these recipes will guide you towards an unforgettable dining experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LIGHT HONEY-GLAZED CORNISH HENS

Light Honey-Glazed Cornish Hens image

Recipe for low-fat honey glazed Cornish hens with orange juice, garlic, soy sauce, thyme, onion, and honey.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories Entree Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/2 lbs each)
1 teaspoon fresh orange peel (grated)
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate (thawed, undiluted)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced)
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tsp. oil or non-stick cooking spray
1/2 cup onion (chopped)
Optional Garnish: fresh orange wedges
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water (cold)

Steps:

Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 F.
Place game hens breast-side down on a cutting board and cut in half along the backbone. Remove skin and trim excess fat.
In a small microwave-safe dish, combine orange peel, lemon juice, orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, honey, garlic, onion powder, and thyme. Bring to boiling point in a microwave oven; set aside.
Lightly grease a baking dish or spray with cooking spray.
Divide chopped onion into 4 portions in baking dish; place hens bone-side down on onions.
Pour orange juice mixture over hens.
Bake hens in preheated oven for 45 minutes, basting every 10 to 15 minutes with cooking juices. If they brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
When hens are done, remove from baking dish, onions and all, to warm dinner plates.
If desired, garnish with orange slices. Skim fat off juices in baking dish. If desired, thicken pan juices with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon of cold water. Serve juices on the side.
Serve with hot cooked rice and a green vegetable. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 967 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 446 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 77 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Sodium 661 mg, Sugar 11 g, Fat 64 g, ServingSize 4 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

CORNISH GAME HENS IN HONEY SAUCE

Cornish Game Hens in Honey Sauce image

This is a recipe for cornish game hens with an Asian flair. The hens are roasted whole, then split to serve. Figure one hen for every two persons.

Provided by threeovens

Categories Poultry

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 hens, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

4 Cornish hens
salt and pepper
vegetable oil
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, mashed
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Steps:

Season game hens in and out with salt and pepper. Roast in 450 degree oven for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat remaining ingredients over low heat in a small saucepan.
Baste hens with soy sauce/honey mixture and continue roasting at 350 degrees for about an hour, basting occasionally. If hens brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
Once done, split hens and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.6, Fat 9.8, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 124, Sodium 1590.9, Carbohydrate 10.6, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 9.2, Protein 26.9

Tips:

To ensure your Cornish hens are cooked evenly, preheat your oven to the correct temperature before placing them inside. This will help them cook more quickly and evenly.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens. This is the most accurate way to ensure that they are cooked through safely.
If you are using a marinade, be sure to pat the hens dry before cooking them. This will help the marinade adhere to the skin and give the hens a more flavorful crust.
To get a crispy skin on your hens, roast them uncovered in the oven. You can also brush them with melted butter or olive oil towards the end of cooking to help crisp up the skin.
Let the hens rest for a few minutes before carving them. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Honey poppy seed Cornish hens are a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion. With their tender and flavorful meat, crispy skin, and sweet and tangy sauce, these hens are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a special meal to make, give this recipe a try.