Succulent Glazes and Rubs for Cornish Game Hens

By
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends.
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Updated on 08/26/21
Cornish Game Hen
The Spruce
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 70 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Yield: 4 cornish hens
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
859 Calories
47g Fat
52g Carbs
58g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 859
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 47g 60%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 337mg 112%
Sodium 197mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 35g
Protein 58g
Vitamin C 8mg 42%
Calcium 49mg 4%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 691mg 15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Cornish game hens are a broiler chicken that is mostly comprised of white meat only. Also known as poussin, the Cornish hen has a delicate flavor and is often roasted whole or barbecued. There are many ways to season and prepare Cornish hens, like with orange marmalade or spice.

This glazed Cornish hens recipe is great for single servings or entrees for dinner parties or holiday meals. You can serve the hens straight out of the oven, as you would a roasted chicken, with crispy browned skin and moist, tender meat. Sides that go great with the hen include roasted or steamed vegetables, baked or mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. 

Derived from The Woman's Day Cookbook by Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, the following recipes highlight seven different delicious sauces that take less than 10 minutes to make and give some pizzazz to Cornish hens. You can also use these ideas for roast chicken by increasing the cooking time accordingly.

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Ingredients

  • 4 (1 to 1 1/4-pound) Cornish game hens

  • Glaze or rub ingredients of your choice, see below

Steps to Make It

  1. If you want to dress up your Cornish game hens, prepare the hens before roasting with one of the rubs detailed below. Add the glazes in the last 15 or 20 minutes of roasting, as noted.

    prep hen
    The Spruce

  2. Roast the hens at 375 F for about 1 hour, regardless of the glaze or rub you choose (or if you choose not to add one at all).

    cook hen
     The Spruce

  3. When the juices run clear (when a thigh is pierced with a knife) and a meat thermometer registers 170 F, the hens are done.

  4. Serve Cornish game hens simply roasted out of the oven or with one of the variations detailed below.

Glass Bakeware Warning

Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states oven-safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.

Recipe Variations

  • Apricot Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup apricot jam, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons honey. Brush the apricot glaze over the hens during the last 15 to 20 minutes of roasting.
  • Asian Accent: Mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Brush the mixture over the hens and pour a little into the cavities before roasting. 
  • Citrus Glaze: Mix 1/4 cup of thawed, frozen orange juice concentrate, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of honey until well-blended. Brush the glaze over the hens during the last 15 to 20 minutes of roasting.
  • Garlic-Herb: Mix 2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 2 teaspoons of finely chopped sage. Loosen the breast skin of each hen and rub one-quarter of the mixture under the skin of each bird. 
  • Lemon-Basil: Rub the outside of the hens with a cut lemon and brush with melted butter. Place one lemon half and a sprig of fresh basil into each cavity.
  • Mexican Spiced: Rub the outside of the hens with packaged taco seasoning and lightly coat with cooking spray. 
  • Mustard-Herb: Coat the outside of each hen with about 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Sprinkle with a mixture of dried tarragon, basil, and thyme. Deglaze the pan after roasting with 3/4 cup of white wine and serve with the pan juices.