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Crispy Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens

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A quick and easy holiday recipe featuring Cornish game hens with a crispy skin and a tangy-sweet cranberry orange glaze, perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 small Cornish game hens (about 1 to 1.5 lbs / 450 to 680 g each), thawed if frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1–2 medium oranges)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce (about 130 g), store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels. Rub the hens all over with olive oil, then season generously inside and out with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Optionally, tuck a small sprig of rosemary or thyme inside each cavity.
  3. Optionally, tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help keep their shape during roasting.
  4. Place hens breast-side up in a roasting pan with space between them. Roast uncovered for 45 minutes.
  5. While hens roast, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, cranberry sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and simmer for about 10 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
  6. After 45 minutes, brush a generous layer of the cranberry orange glaze over the hens. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, basting once more halfway through, until the skin is deep golden brown and sticky.
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, pierce the thigh and ensure juices run clear.
  8. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the hens dry is essential for crispy skin. Simmer the glaze to thicken and intensify flavors. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the hens rest before carving. If glaze darkens too much, tent with foil to prevent burning. The glaze can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cornish game hens, cranberry orange glaze, holiday recipe, crispy skin, easy poultry recipe, festive dinner

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-cranberry-orange-glazed-cornish-game-hens-easy-recipe-for-holiday-flavor/