Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens: A Delicious and Elegant Recipe

Apricot glazed Cornish hens are a delightful and impressive dish, perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated weeknight meal. These small, flavorful birds are easy to prepare and cook relatively quickly, making them a great alternative to a whole roasted chicken. The apricot glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish, complementing the savory flavor of the hens. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure perfectly cooked and beautifully presented Cornish hens every time.

## Why Cornish Hens?

Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are young chickens that are typically about five to six weeks old. They weigh around one to two pounds each, making them a perfect single serving for most people. Here’s why they’re a fantastic choice for your next dinner:

* **Individual Portions:** Each hen is a perfect serving size, eliminating the need to carve and portion a larger bird.
* **Faster Cooking Time:** Cornish hens cook much faster than a whole chicken, making them ideal for weeknight meals.
* **Elegant Presentation:** Their small size and delicate appearance make them an elegant addition to any table.
* **Delicious Flavor:** Cornish hens have a rich, slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with a variety of glazes and seasonings.

## The Apricot Glaze: A Sweet and Savory Delight

The apricot glaze is the star of this recipe, adding a touch of sweetness, tanginess, and a beautiful sheen to the Cornish hens. The combination of apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and garlic creates a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the savory taste of the birds. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

* **Apricot Preserves:** Provides the base for the glaze, adding sweetness and apricot flavor. Choose a high-quality preserve for the best taste.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Adds a tangy and slightly spicy note that balances the sweetness of the apricot preserves.
* **Soy Sauce:** Contributes umami and saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor of the glaze.
* **Garlic:** Adds a pungent and aromatic element that complements the other ingredients.
* **Optional additions:** Consider adding a touch of honey, ginger, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added complexity and flavor.

## Ingredients

* 4 Cornish hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each), thawed if frozen
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 cup apricot preserves
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
* Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

## Equipment

* Roasting pan
* Wire rack (optional, but recommended)
* Small saucepan
* Basting brush
* Meat thermometer

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Cornish Hens

1. **Thaw the Hens:** If your Cornish hens are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Ensure they are fully thawed before proceeding.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the hens to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. **Prepare the Hens:** Remove the Cornish hens from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Remove any giblets or neck that may be inside the cavity of the hens.
4. **Season the Hens:** Rub the Cornish hens with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, both inside and out. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as it will enhance the flavor of the birds.

### Step 2: Make the Apricot Glaze

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice. If using, add the fresh thyme leaves.
2. **Simmer the Glaze:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning.
3. **Thicken the Glaze:** Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer the glaze for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too tart, add a little honey. If it needs more depth, add a dash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.

### Step 3: Roast the Cornish Hens

1. **Place Hens in Roasting Pan:** Place the seasoned Cornish hens in a roasting pan. If you have a wire rack, place it inside the roasting pan and arrange the hens on the rack. This allows for better air circulation and helps the skin crisp up more evenly. If you don’t have a rack, you can place the hens directly in the pan.
2. **Bake the Hens:** Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, begin basting the hens with the apricot glaze.
3. **Baste with Glaze:** Using a basting brush, generously brush the Cornish hens with the apricot glaze. Make sure to coat them evenly.
4. **Continue Baking:** Return the roasting pan to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, basting with the glaze every 5-7 minutes. The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
5. **Check for Doneness:** If the hens are browning too quickly, you can tent them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning. However, try to avoid covering them completely, as this can make the skin soggy.

### Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. **Rest the Hens:** Once the Cornish hens are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
2. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish the Cornish hens with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve them immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes.

## Tips for Perfect Apricot Glazed Cornish Hens

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use high-quality apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and fresh garlic for the best results.
* **Thaw the Hens Properly:** Ensure the Cornish hens are completely thawed before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from being dry.
* **Pat the Hens Dry:** Patting the hens dry with paper towels before seasoning will help the skin crisp up nicely.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the hens generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. This will enhance their flavor.
* **Baste Frequently:** Basting the hens frequently with the apricot glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking will create a beautiful glossy finish and add a delicious layer of flavor.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the hens are cooked to the correct internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. The hens are done when the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Let the Hens Rest:** Letting the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If you are cooking more than four Cornish hens, it’s best to use two roasting pans to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can prevent the hens from browning properly.
* **Add Aromatics:** Consider adding aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the roasting pan. These vegetables will add flavor to the pan drippings, which can be used to make a delicious gravy.

## Serving Suggestions

Apricot glazed Cornish hens are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes make a delicious and healthy side dish.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf is a great accompaniment to the sweet and savory Cornish hens.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the hens.
* **Green Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Cornish hens.
* **Couscous:** Fluffy couscous with dried fruits and nuts is a flavorful and exotic side dish that complements the apricot glaze.

## Variations

* **Honey Glaze:** Replace the apricot preserves with honey for a different flavor profile. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Orange Glaze:** Use orange marmalade instead of apricot preserves for a citrusy glaze. Add a pinch of ginger for added flavor.
* **Spicy Glaze:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the apricot glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Herb Glaze:** Add chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, or thyme to the apricot glaze for a more savory flavor.
* **Stuffed Cornish Hens:** Stuff the Cornish hens with a savory stuffing made from bread crumbs, herbs, and vegetables for a more substantial meal. Ensure that the stuffing also reaches 165F.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover Cornish hens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the Cornish hens, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hens in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

## Conclusion

Apricot glazed Cornish hens are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their delicate flavor, beautiful presentation, and relatively quick cooking time, they are sure to impress your family and friends. By following this recipe and tips, you can create perfectly cooked and beautifully glazed Cornish hens that will be the highlight of your meal. Enjoy!