Description
Golden, honey-glazed Cornish hens with a crisp, caramelized skin and juicy, herb-scented meat, perfect for holidays or a special weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Cornish Hens: 2 whole hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
- Honey: 1/2 cup
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep this gluten free)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Rosemary: 1 teaspoon, finely chopped
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl whisk together honey, olive oil, soy sauce or coconut aminos, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Arrange the hens in a roasting pan with space between them so air can circulate for even browning.
- Assemble the Dish: Pat hens dry with paper towels, then brush them generously with the honey glaze, coating all sides and under the skin where possible.
- Cook to Perfection: Roast at 400°F for 45 to 55 minutes, brushing with additional glaze every 15 minutes. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
- Finishing Touches: Remove hens from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Brush one final time with warm honey glaze for shine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate each hen individually, garnish with lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs, drizzle any pan juices over the top, and serve.
Notes
- Use Gluten-Free Option: To keep the recipe gluten free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Pat Hens Dry: Dry skin crisps better, so make sure to thoroughly pat the hens dry before glazing.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make-Ahead: The glaze can be made up to 48 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen (approximately 1/2 of a whole Cornish hen)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Honey Glazed Cornish Hens, roasted cornish hens, honey glaze recipe, holiday main course, easy roast poultry