Roasted Cornish Hens With Orange-Mustard Glaze

Name: Sweet and savory marinade brings out their tender texture and juicy flavor
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon finely chopped orange zest; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 2 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon grainy mustard; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cornish hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each; salt and freshly ground pepper; orange slices

The Daily Meal Staff|May 7, 2021 8:00 pm EST

4.5 (2 ratings)

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Cornish game hens are not a game bird, so their flavor is very mild. Combining both whole-grain and creamy Dijon-style mustards gives this marinade and glaze an intense flavor. Orange juice and honey add a touch of sweetness.This recipe is by Diane Rossen Worthington of Tribune Media Services, and was originally published in the Chicago Tribune.

Prep Time

2.17

hours

Cook Time

40

minutes

Servings

12

Roasted Cornish Hen With Orange-Honey Glaze recipe - The Daily Meal

Total time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon finely chopped orange zest
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon grainy mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cornish hens, about 1 1/2 pounds each
salt and freshly ground pepper
orange slices

Directions

Step 1: In a non-reactive bowl, combine 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon finely chopped orange zest, 2 finely chopped shallots, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon grainy mustard, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Taste for seasoning. Set aside.
Step 1: Carefully separate the skin from 6 Cornish hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each). Place the hens in a large bowl. Massage the marinade underneath the skin; submerge hens in marinade. Refrigerate, covered, 2 to 4 hours.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 425 F. Remove hens from marinade, discarding marinade; place hens in a roasting pan lined with foil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if you like.
Step 3: Roast, basting with the pan juices every 15 minutes, until the hens are golden brown and lightly glazed, about 40 to 45 minutes. Place the hens on a platter or individual serving plates; garnish with orange slices.