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Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hen

Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hen

Darlene
I haven’t made a Cornish hen in forever. But they are the perfect size for a meal for two. The glaze is a wonderful complement to the meat. It seals in the juices and makes a great crispy treat on the skin.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 People
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cornish game hen , cleaned and extra parts removed (See Notes)
  • 1/2 Medium Onion
  • 1/4 Cup Cranberries , fresh or frozen
  • 2 Tbsp Honey
  • 1/2 Tbsp Orange zest
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp Salt , divided
  • 1/2 tsp Minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp Perfect pinch seasoning
  • 1/8 tsp Black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400℉
  • Pat the cleaned hen dry with paper towels. Use 1/2 tsp salt to season the inside of the hen.
  • Add the garlic, remaining salt, and pepper into a small cup. Carefully lift the skin and add seasoning mixture between the skin and the meat of the hen. Set aside.
  • Add the orange juice and cornstarch to a small saucepan. Whisk to combine. Add the cranberries, orange zest, and honey.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until cranberries start to pop and the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and mash the cranberries with a fork.
  • Slice the onion into 1/2-inch rings and place them at the bottom of a sprayed oven-safe dish. Season with perfect pinch seasoning. Place the Cornish hen on top of the onions and brush with 1/2 of the glaze.
  • Place the Cornish hen on top of the onions and brush with 1/2 of the glaze.
  • Roast in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove and brush with the remaining glaze. Cook for another 25 minutes. If during cooking the hen is nice and brown, cover lightly with foil.
  • Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The thighs should register 165 degrees, the breast at 170 degrees.
  • Serve with the cooked onions.

Notes

When cleaning the hen, be careful to clean the area thoroughly afterwards. Throw paper towels away immediately after use.
Serving suggestions and optional ingredients are not calculated as part of the nutritional facts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 of the HenCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 31gCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg