Description

This Honey-Glazed Cornish Hens recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory twist on tender, roasted Cornish game hens. Perfectly seasoned and glazed with a flavorful mixture of honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic, these hens boast a golden brown, crispy skin and juicy, succulent meat. Ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-follow recipe yields a beautifully roasted main course that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or garlic mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornish Hens

2 Cornish hens (about 1.25–1.5 lbs each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika

For the Glaze

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and season: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub each hen evenly with olive oil, then season all sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and paprika to ensure full flavor coverage.
Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir regularly and allow to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
First glaze and roast: Place the hens breast-side up on a rack inside a roasting pan or lined baking dish. Brush both hens generously with half of the prepared glaze. Roast the hens uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to start developing a golden crust and lock in juices.
Second glaze and continue roasting: After 25 minutes, remove hens and brush them with the remaining glaze. Return hens to the oven and roast for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. The hens are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F and their skin is evenly golden brown and crisp.
Final basting and rest: Optionally, baste the hens once more with any leftover glaze during the final 5 minutes of roasting to maximize flavor and shine. Once roasted, remove from the oven and let the hens rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure moist meat.

Notes

For a complete meal, serve these glazed Cornish hens with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Leftover hens and glaze reheat well and can be paired delightfully with other proteins such as chicken or pork.
Ensure hens reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
The glaze can be adjusted for spice by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.