Maple Orange Cornish Hens
Elevate your dinner table with these show-stopping Maple Orange Cornish Hens, a perfect blend of sweet, citrusy, and savory flavors that will impress any guest. Whole Cornish hens are brushed with a luscious glaze made from pure maple syrup, fresh orange juice, tangy orange zest, and a hint of olive oil, creating the ultimate caramelized exterior. Aromatic garlic, fresh rosemary, and a seasoning blend of paprika, salt, and black pepper infuse the meat with depth and richness. Roasted to golden perfection in just an hour, these tender, juicy hens are basted regularly for a glossy finish that packs bold flavor into every bite. Ideal for elegant entertaining or a special family meal, serve these hens alongside roasted vegetables or a bright citrus salad for a stunning presentation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish hens
- 0.25 cup Maple syrup
- 0.25 cup Fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Zest of an orange
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and place them in a roasting pan or baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and olive oil.
Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the maple-orange mixture.
Season the hens liberally with salt, black pepper, and paprika, rubbing the seasoning all over the skin and inside the cavity.
Brush a generous amount of the maple-orange glaze over the hens, reserving some for basting later.
Stuff each hen cavity with one sprig of fresh rosemary.
Place the roasting pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165°F (74°C).
Brush the hens with the remaining glaze every 15–20 minutes to create a glossy and flavorful coating.
Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve the Maple Orange Cornish Hens whole or halved, garnished with additional orange zest and fresh rosemary if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 148.5 g | 190% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.4 g | 197% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 750 mg | 250% | |
| Sodium | 3068 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.2 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 58.5 g | ||
| Protein | 221.4 g | 443% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 187 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 13.2 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2203 mg | 47% | |
*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.
