Best 4 Orange Glazed Cornish Hens Recipes

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**Tantalize your taste buds with our delectable Orange Glazed Cornish Hens, a symphony of flavors that will transport you to culinary heaven.**

From the succulent Cornish hens basted in a tangy orange glaze to the savory stuffing brimming with aromatic herbs and citrus zest, this dish is a feast for the senses. Indulge in the perfectly roasted potatoes, their crispy exteriors yielding to fluffy interiors, all while bathed in a luscious orange-infused jus. As a delightful accompaniment, a refreshing orange salad adds a burst of brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the main course. And for a sweet ending, a zesty orange sorbet provides a palate-cleansing finish, leaving you with a lingering taste of citrusy bliss. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of oranges, showcasing their versatility and ability to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

ORANGE-CRANBERRY GLAZED CORNISH HENS



Orange-Cranberry Glazed Cornish Hens image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 Cornish game hens (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds each)
1 large onion, sliced into rounds, rings separated
2 oranges, sliced into rounds, plus 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 4 oranges)
8 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus 2 teaspoons finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed or coarsely ground
1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 stick unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, chopped

Steps:

  • Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F. Cut the hens in half with kitchen shears, removing the backbone and cutting through the middle of the breastbone. Divide the onion, oranges and rosemary sprigs between 2 rimmed baking sheets. Arrange the hens skin-side up on the baking sheets and season all over with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature, 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine the orange juice, cranberries, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon coriander, the chile powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, mashing the cranberries as they start to burst, until the mixture is thickened and reduced to about 3/4 cup, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and season with salt. Set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped rosemary, garlic and the remaining 2 teaspoons coriander. Cook 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.
  • Pat the hens dry with paper towels, then brush with the flavored butter. Roast the hens until the skin is browned and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and switch to the broiler setting. Brush the hens with the orange-cranberry sauce, then broil, one baking sheet at a time, until glazed and dark brown in spots, 2 to 3 minutes.

ORANGE-GINGER GLAZED CORNISH GAME HENS



Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Game Hens image

Make and share this Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Game Hens recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 2 hens, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 (1 1/2 lb) Cornish hens, skinned and halved
cooking spray
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 scallion, thinly sliced garnish

Steps:

  • Combine first 4 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
  • Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.
  • Add to juice mixture in pan, stirring with a whisk.
  • Cook until thick and glossy about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Place hen halves, meaty sides up, on a foil-lined pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle hen halves with salt,pepper and ground ginger.
  • Spoon glaze mixture evenly over hen halves.
  • Insert a meat thermometer into meaty part of a thigh, making sure not to touch bone.
  • Bake at 475° for 25 minutes or until the thermometer registers 180°.

ORANGE-GLAZED CORNISH HENS



Orange-Glazed Cornish Hens image

One year, I served this recipe and got nothing but raves. My family prefers these moist glazed hens instead of turkey.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup butter
3 cups cooked rice
4 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup grated orange zest
4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
GLAZE:
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Steps:

  • In a skillet, saute the onion, celery and almonds in butter. Add rice, sugar, salt, thyme and orange zest; mix well. Loosely stuff hens. Place, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow baking pan. In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients; spoon some over hens. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 minutes. Cover and bake 40 minutes longer until juices run clear, brushing often with remaining glaze.

Nutrition Facts :

CONTEST-WINNING ORANGE-GLAZED CORNISH HENS



Contest-Winning Orange-Glazed Cornish Hens image

This is a wonderfully elegant entree to serve at a cozy dinner party for four. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen preparing the tender golden brown hens and perfecting the full-flavored basting sauce. -Laurie Bartley, Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Madeira wine, sherry or chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to at 350°. Tie legs of each hen together; turn wing tips under backs. Place on a greased rack in a roasting pan. Brush with butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour., Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 15 minutes. Spoon over hens. Bake until a thermometer reads 170°, about 15 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 682 calories, Fat 40g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 235mg cholesterol, Sodium 819mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (35g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 35g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Cornish Hens: Select plump and evenly sized hens with intact skin and no bruises.
  • Properly Prepare the Hens: Rinse the hens inside and out, pat them dry, and remove any excess fat.
  • Enhance Flavor with Seasonings: Generously season the hens with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices inside and out. Allow them to rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Create a Flavorful Marinade: If desired, marinate the hens in a mixture of orange juice, olive oil, herbs, and spices for several hours or overnight.
  • Achieve Crispy Skin: Before roasting, brush the hens with melted butter or olive oil to help the skin crisp up during cooking.
  • Roast at the Right Temperature: Roast the hens at a high temperature initially to sear the skin, then reduce the heat to allow them to cook evenly without drying out.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the hens are cooked to perfection, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Let the Hens Rest: After roasting, let the hens rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
  • Make a Delicious Orange Glaze: While the hens are roasting, prepare the orange glaze by simmering orange juice, butter, honey, and spices until thick and syrupy. Brush the hens with the glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting for a tantalizing glaze.
  • Garnish and Serve: Garnish the roasted hens with fresh herbs, orange slices, or pomegranate seeds before serving. Accompany them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Orange-glazed Cornish hens are a delightful and versatile dish perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. By following these tips, you can create succulent, flavorful, and visually appealing hens that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different marinades, glazes, and side dishes to find your perfect combination. Enjoy the deliciousness of roasted Cornish hens with the vibrant flavors of oranges and herbs.

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