Roasted Orange Tarragon Cornish Hens: A Flavorful Feast
Cornish hens, with their petite size and delicate flavor, offer an elegant alternative to chicken for special occasions or even a delightful weeknight dinner. Roasting them with orange and tarragon elevates the experience, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. This recipe for Roasted Orange Tarragon Cornish Hens is sure to impress your family and guests. The bright citrus notes of orange complement the anise-like aroma of tarragon, resulting in a truly memorable dish.
Why Choose Cornish Hens?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why Cornish hens deserve a place on your table:
* **Portion Control:** Each hen provides a perfect individual serving, eliminating guesswork and ensuring everyone gets their fair share.
* **Flavor:** Cornish hens have a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than chicken, making them receptive to a variety of seasonings and marinades.
* **Presentation:** They look beautiful on a plate, lending an air of elegance to any meal.
* **Faster Cooking Time:** Due to their smaller size, Cornish hens cook much faster than a whole chicken, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: The Key to Success
The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality Cornish hens and herbs whenever possible. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Cornish Hens:** 4 Cornish hens (about 1.25-1.5 pounds each), thawed if frozen
* **Oranges:** 2 large oranges, preferably organic
* **Fresh Tarragon:** 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves, chopped, plus a few sprigs for garnish
* **Olive Oil:** 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced
* **Shallot:** 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for extra glaze)
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Roasting Pan:** A roasting pan with a rack is ideal, but a baking sheet with sides will also work.
* **Kitchen Twine:** For trussing the hens (optional, but recommended for even cooking).
* **Citrus Juicer:** To extract the orange juice efficiently.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the ingredients.
* **Chef’s Knife:** A good quality knife for chopping herbs and vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the marinade.
* **Meat Thermometer:** Essential for ensuring the hens are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Roasting Perfection
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: roasting these delicious Cornish hens. Follow these detailed instructions for a guaranteed success:
**1. Prepare the Cornish Hens:**
* **Thaw:** If your hens are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Never thaw at room temperature.
* **Rinse and Pat Dry:** Remove the hens from their packaging and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry inside and out with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
* **Remove Giblets:** Check the cavity of each hen for any giblets (neck, liver, gizzard) and remove them. You can discard them or save them for making gravy.
* **Trim Excess Fat:** Trim away any excess fat around the cavity opening.
**2. Make the Orange Tarragon Marinade:**
* **Zest and Juice the Oranges:** Using a zester, remove the zest from both oranges. Be careful not to zest the white pith, which is bitter. Then, juice both oranges – you should get about 1/2 cup of juice.
* **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the orange zest, orange juice, chopped fresh tarragon, minced garlic, chopped shallot, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
* **Optional Sweetener:** If you desire a slightly sweeter glaze, add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade.
**3. Marinate the Cornish Hens:**
* **Coat Thoroughly:** Place the Cornish hens in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container (such as glass or ceramic). Pour the orange tarragon marinade over the hens, ensuring they are thoroughly coated inside and out.
* **Massage the Marinade:** Gently massage the marinade into the hens, paying attention to the skin and the cavity. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat.
* **Marinate in the Refrigerator:** Seal the bag or cover the container tightly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be. Turn the hens occasionally to ensure even marination.
**4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Roasting Pan:**
* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* **Prepare Roasting Pan:** Place a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can use a bed of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions) to elevate the hens slightly. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
**5. Truss the Cornish Hens (Optional):**
* **Trussing Technique:** Trussing the hens helps them maintain their shape during cooking and promotes even cooking. To truss, tuck the wing tips under the body of the hen. Then, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together tightly. If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can skip this step, but the hens might not cook as evenly.
**6. Roast the Cornish Hens:**
* **Arrange in Roasting Pan:** Remove the Cornish hens from the marinade and place them on the prepared roasting rack in the roasting pan, breast side up. Discard the marinade.
* **Add Wine and Broth:** Pour the dry white wine and chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will create steam and keep the hens moist during cooking.
* **Brush with Melted Butter:** Brush the Cornish hens generously with melted butter. This will help them brown beautifully.
* **Roast:** Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
* **Baste Regularly:** Baste the hens with the pan juices every 15-20 minutes during cooking. This will help keep them moist and flavorful.
* **If Browning Too Quickly:** If the hens start to brown too quickly, tent them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
**7. Let Rest and Serve:**
* **Rest:** Once the hens are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Tent loosely with aluminum foil during resting.
* **Carve (Optional):** You can serve the hens whole, or you can carve them in half or quarters.
* **Garnish:** Garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs and orange slices.
* **Serve:** Serve the Roasted Orange Tarragon Cornish Hens with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Success: Mastering the Roast
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If your roasting pan is too small to accommodate all four hens without overcrowding, roast them in two batches.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is your best friend when roasting any type of poultry. It’s the only way to ensure that the hens are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Period:** The resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the hens and the accuracy of your oven. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
* **Crispy Skin Secrets:** For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings
Roasted Orange Tarragon Cornish Hens are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes roast beautifully alongside the hens. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs before roasting.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A simple rice pilaf is a classic accompaniment to roasted poultry. Consider adding some toasted nuts or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. Enhance the flavor with garlic, herbs, or a touch of cheese.
* **Green Beans Almondine:** Green beans with toasted almonds and a lemon butter sauce provide a bright and refreshing contrast to the richness of the hens.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a light and refreshing option.
* **Couscous:** Fluffy couscous is a quick and easy side dish that can be flavored with herbs, spices, or dried fruit.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier option, try serving the hens with quinoa. Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that is packed with nutrients.
Variations: Adding Your Personal Touch
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Lemon Herb Cornish Hens:** Substitute lemon zest and juice for the orange, and use a combination of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage instead of tarragon.
* **Spicy Cornish Hens:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a little heat.
* **Maple Glazed Cornish Hens:** Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer, more decadent glaze.
* **Stuffed Cornish Hens:** Stuff the hens with a breadcrumb mixture, wild rice, or a sausage and apple stuffing.
* **Mediterranean Cornish Hens:** Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the marinade for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Leftover Roasted Orange Tarragon Cornish Hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hens in a baking dish and add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Cover with aluminum foil and 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: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
Roasted Orange Tarragon Cornish Hens are a delightful and impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of bright citrus flavors, aromatic tarragon, and tender, juicy meat is simply irresistible. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can confidently create a culinary masterpiece that your family and friends will rave about. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of roasting these flavorful little birds. Bon appétit!