Orange-Glazed Cornish Hens
Orange-glazed Cornish hens are elegant but unbelievably easy. Fill with your favorite rice, bread, or cornbread stuffing for a savory family meal.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 8 persons
Ingredients
- Optional: 1 tablespoon gravy enhancer (such as Gravy Master or Bovril)
- 4Cornish game hens (thawed in the refrigerator if previously frozen)
- ¼cup orange marmalade
- 2tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: Stuffing of your choice
- Optional: 1 medium navel orange (quartered)
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking pan (large enough to hold the hens) with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.Step 2
If using, massage the gravy enhancer over the skin of the Cornish hens. Trim off wing tips or tuck the wings behind the back of the bird.Step 3
Place the orange marmalade, butter, and Worcestershire sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir until combined. You do not want it boiling hot.Step 4
If you are using a stuffing, fill the Cornish hens; alternatively, place a wedge of orange into each cavity. Place the hens breast-side up in the prepared pan and brush with half of the orange glaze.Step 5
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and baste with remaining glaze. Return to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes. Test with an instant-read thermometer in center of stuffing or between the thigh and breast, making sure not to touch bone; it should read 180 F.Step 6
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.