A delightful recipe for roasted Cornish hens with a citrus-herb glaze, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the hens inside for even cooking.
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Drying the hens helps achieve a crispy skin during roasting.
Cut out the backbone of each hen using kitchen shears and flatten them by pressing down on the breastbone.
Spatchcocking ensures even cooking and a shorter roasting time.
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of the orange, honey, thyme, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning to your preference before applying it to the hens.
Place the hens skin-side up in a roasting pan and brush them generously with half of the glaze.
Reserve some glaze for basting during the cooking process.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Check the hens halfway through and rotate the pan for even cooking.
Brush the hens with the remaining glaze and continue roasting for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked through without overcooking.
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Serve the hens on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
Presenting the dish with garnishes adds a touch of elegance and enhances the dining experience.
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