Orange Glazed Hens are tender, juicy, and citrus-kissed with a caramelized finish—perfect for holidays, romantic dinners, or elegant Sunday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant presentation: Individual Cornish hens make a beautiful, restaurant-quality plate.
Bold, balanced flavor: The glaze blends sweet honey, bright orange, savory garlic, and umami-rich soy sauce.

Perfect for special occasions: Great for Christmas, anniversaries, or entertaining guests.
Simple preparation: Minimal prep and straightforward roasting instructions.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different glazes or herbs.

Ingredients

2 Cornish hens (about 1 ½ pounds each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
Rub each hen with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.

Place the hens breast side up in a roasting pan.
In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.

Brush the hens generously with the glaze, reserving some for basting during roasting.
Roast the hens for 50–60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 460 kcal

Variations

Spicy glaze: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Herb butter rub: Mix butter with fresh herbs and garlic for a richer flavor base before roasting.
Citrus twist: Use a mix of orange and lemon juice for a more complex citrus profile.
Maple glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

Stuffed hens: Fill the cavity with citrus slices, herbs, or wild rice for added flavor and presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of Cornish hens?

Yes, this glaze works beautifully on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when the hens are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Do I need to marinate the hens?

No marinade is required, but you can rub the seasoning on a few hours ahead of time for deeper flavor.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is best for brightness, but high-quality store-bought juice without added sugar works as a substitute.

How do I get crispy skin?

Basting regularly and roasting uncovered will help the skin turn golden and crisp. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if needed.

What sides go well with Orange Glazed Hens?

Try roasted vegetables, wild rice, mashed potatoes, or a citrusy salad to complement the flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the glaze and season the hens a day ahead. Roast just before serving for best results.

What type of honey should I use?

Any good-quality honey will work. Orange blossom honey pairs especially well with the citrus theme.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover meat can be shredded into salads, wraps, or used in grain bowls for a second meal.

Conclusion

Orange Glazed Hens bring a vibrant, citrus-infused twist to your dinner table. With their tender texture, golden roasted skin, and elegant glaze, they’re perfect for holidays, celebrations, or a refined weeknight meal. Easy to prepare yet rich in flavor, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.

More Elegant & Flavorful Poultry Dishes

If these Orange Glazed Hens brought a burst of citrus and savory goodness to your table, you’re sure to enjoy other standout dishes in our collection. Try the comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake for a cozy dinner. Want something with creamy depth? The Creamy Basil Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is perfect for weeknights. Craving holiday-worthy presentation? Serve up the Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon alongside your hens. For a citrusy twist on comfort food, the Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Recipe offers light yet bold flavor. And don’t miss the Voodoo Shrimp Recipe if you’re ready to spice things up with a seafood alternative.

Orange Glazed Hens

Author: Chef Clara

Print Recipe

Description

Tender Cornish hens roasted to perfection with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, perfect for special occasions or an elegant family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 Cornish hens (about 1 ½ pounds each)
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange

3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
Rub hens with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Place hens in a roasting pan, breast side up.

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
Bring glaze mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
Brush hens generously with the glaze, reserving some for basting.

Roast hens for 50–60 minutes, basting with glaze every 15 minutes, until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure hens reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For extra crispy skin, broil hens for the last 3–5 minutes of roasting.