Roasted Cornish Hens with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Cornish Hens with Bourbon Glaze combines tender, flavorful poultry with a sweet and smoky sauce that adds a beautiful caramelized finish. This elegant yet approachable dish is perfect for special dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 6 Cornish game hens (approx 1-1/2 lbs each)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2/3 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position racks in the bottom of two medium-sized roasting pans and coat the pans with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Season the cavity of each hen with salt and pepper. Rub a tablespoon of softened butter all over the skin, then season the exterior evenly with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
3. Step 3: Arrange three hens, breast side up, in each roasting pan. Leave some space between them. Add 1/2-inch of water to the bottom of each pan and place them in the oven.
4. Step 4: Roast the hens for 25 minutes, then baste with the pan juices. Return to the oven, rotating the roasting pans (top to bottom, front to back) to ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: Continue roasting for an additional 20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F.
6. Step 6: While hens roast, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes, without browning. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add bourbon.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stir in honey, and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover and keep warm.
8. Step 8: When hens are done, remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 450°F. Brush each hen liberally with the bourbon glaze and return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the glaze caramelizes. Remove and brush with any remaining glaze.
9. Step 9: Let the hens rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the hens in a little bourbon and honey mixture overnight before roasting.
• Use kitchen twine to secure the legs and keep the shape of the hens for even cooking and an elegant presentation.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the rich glaze.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or a mixture of water and a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover roasted hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or covered in the microwave to maintain moisture. The bourbon glaze can be kept separately in the fridge and warmed before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can season and butter the hens a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. For best results, add the glaze and caramelize just before serving.

What if I don’t have an instant-read thermometer?

Cook the hens for about 45 to 50 minutes in total, but be sure to check that the juices run clear and the meat near the bone is no longer pink. Investing in a thermometer is recommended for accurate and safe cooking.

Roasted Cornish Hens with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 304 reviews

This delightful recipe features tender Cornish game hens roasted to perfection with a rich and flavorful bourbon glaze. The hens are seasoned simply with butter, salt, and pepper, then basted and finished with a sticky, sweet bourbon and honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Ideal for a special occasion or holiday meal, these roasted Cornish hens deliver impressive presentation and incredible taste.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings (one hen per person) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 6 Cornish game hens (approx 1–1/2 lbs each)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Kitchen twine (for tying legs)

Bourbon Glaze

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2/3 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (a pinch)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Racks: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Position racks in the bottoms of two medium-sized roasting pans and coat the pans with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Season and Butter the Hens: Season the cavity of each Cornish hen generously with salt and pepper. Rub one tablespoon of softened butter all over the skin of each hen. Then season the exteriors evenly with salt and pepper. Tie the legs of each hen together securely with kitchen twine to maintain shape during roasting.
3. Arrange Hens for Roasting: Place three hens breast side up in each roasting pan. Make sure to leave some space between each hen. Pour about a 1/2-inch of water into the bottom of each pan to keep the hens moist during roasting.
4. Roast and Baste: Place the roasting pans in the oven and roast the hens for 25 minutes. After this time, baste each hen with the pan juices to enhance moisture and flavor. Rotate the pans by switching their positions top to bottom and front to back to ensure even cooking.
5. Continue Roasting to Temperature: Continue roasting for another 20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F, indicating that the hens are fully cooked.
6. Prepare Bourbon Glaze: While the hens are roasting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant, but not browned. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then pour in the bourbon.
7. Simmer and Thicken Glaze: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the honey. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. Cover the glaze and keep warm until ready to use.
8. Glaze and Caramelize: Once the hens are fully cooked, remove them from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Brush each hen liberally with the prepared bourbon glaze and return to the oven for about 5 minutes, just long enough to caramelize the glaze and create a beautiful glossy finish. Remove the hens and brush with any remaining glaze for extra flavor.
9. Rest and Serve: Allow the hens to rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices redistribute and the meat remains juicy and tender.

Notes

• Make sure not to brown the garlic when preparing the glaze, as it could affect the flavor negatively.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking the hens.
• Tying the legs helps the hens cook evenly and maintain a neat presentation.
• The water in the roasting pan helps keep the environment moist and prevents the hens from drying out.
• Roasting pans should be rotated during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

Keywords: Cornish hens, roasted Cornish hens, bourbon glaze, honey glaze, holiday recipe, roasted poultry, elegant dinner, game hen recipe