Cornish Game Hens with Orange Sauce
Elevate your dinner table with these succulent Cornish Game Hens with Orange Sauce—a recipe that perfectly combines crispy, golden-skinned poultry with a glossy, tangy-sweet citrus glaze. Ideal for a special occasion or an impressive weeknight meal, these tender game hens are roasted to perfection with a fragrant blend of garlic, paprika, and olive oil. The star of the dish is the vibrant orange sauce, a rich blend of fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce thickened to silky perfection. Garnish with fresh rosemary for an extra touch of elegance, and pair with your favorite sides for a show-stopping meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready in just over an hour, this easy yet refined recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Cornish game hens
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 cup Fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Orange zest
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Place the hens breast-side up on a wire rack positioned in a roasting pan. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) when tested in the thickest part of the thigh.
While the hens are roasting, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey, orange zest, and soy sauce. Stir well.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth. Slowly whisk this mixture into the saucepan. Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the hens are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Drizzle the orange sauce over the hens and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
632 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.6 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 1048 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.9 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.5 g | ||
| Protein | 58.8 g | 118% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 55 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 715 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
