A delightful recipe for tender Cornish hens glazed with a spiced honey mixture, perfect for a flavorful dinner.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Preheating ensures even cooking right from the start.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Stir continuously to prevent the butter from burning.
Juice the orange and add the juice to the glaze mixture. Stir well and remove from heat.
Freshly squeezed juice adds a vibrant flavor to the glaze.
Cut each Cornish hen in half and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Drying the hens ensures the skin crisps up during cooking.
Place the hens skin-side down in a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Starting skin-side down helps render the fat for a crispier finish.
Turn the hens over and generously baste with the prepared glaze. Continue baking for 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
Frequent basting ensures the hens are flavorful and moist.
Check that the hens are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute for a tender result.