Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Citrus-Garlic Sauce
There’s something undeniably special about a beautifully roasted Cornish game hen, especially when it’s infused with the bright flavors of citrus and garlic. This Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Citrus-Garlic Sauce recipe brings a perfect balance of zesty freshness and rich flavor, making it an ideal centerpiece for your next gathering or special occasion. Picture this dish gracing your holiday table or a cozy family dinner; it not only looks impressive but also delivers a symphony of tastes that everyone will adore.
What truly sets this dish apart is its straightforward preparation method combined with the use of pantry staples, resulting in a gourmet meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Your friends and family will be delighted by the tender meat and the caramelized, sticky glaze, all while appreciating the smoky sweetness of roasted garlic and the brightness of citrus. It’s a dish that encourages sharing and conversation, making it perfect for any gathering where you want to create lasting memories.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Orange slices for garnish
Gather your fresh ingredients for a delicious meal!
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the Cornish game hens in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the hens from the marinade and place them in a roasting pan, allowing any excess to drain off.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and soy sauce; bring to a simmer and then let it cool slightly.
- Brush the honey-soy mixture generously over the hens, ensuring they are well coated.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, basting occasionally with the glaze, until the juices run clear when pierced.
- Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh orange slices for an attractive presentation.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: If you don’t have Cornish game hens, you can use smaller whole chickens or even chicken parts. For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Optional variations: Feel free to add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the marinade for additional flavor, or experiment with different citrus juices like lime or grapefruit.
- Storage or reheating tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting dish!
Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Citrus-Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari
For garnish
- to taste orange slices Fresh orange slices for decoration
Main ingredients
- 2 Cornish game hens Can substitute with smaller whole chickens or parts
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the Cornish game hens in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the hens from the marinade and place them in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and soy sauce; bring to a simmer and then let it cool slightly.
- Brush the honey-soy mixture generously over the hens, ensuring they are well coated.
- Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, basting occasionally with the glaze, until the juices run clear when pierced.
- Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh orange slices.