Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens

The other day, we were walking through the grocery store and Spud (age 8) spotted a freezer case of “tiny chickens”.  Spud loves tiny things (tiny stuffed animals, the smallest paper airplane one can fathom, etc.) and immediately decided that we all needed to have our very own chicken for dinner.  Since I’m always up for trying something new, I was more than happy to oblige!

I decided to make use a simple orange glaze on the cornish hens and it was perfect!  My boys were so excited to have their own personal chicken to eat! 

Shortly after I made the Cornish Hens, I watched This Beautiful Fantastic for this month’s Food ‘n Flix hosted by Heather at All Roads Lead to the Kitchen and realized that the recipe was perfect for the movie!

This Beautiful Fantastic follows a motley crew as they break down walls to cultivate friendship, a sadly neglected garden, and good food!  

In the beginning of the movie, we learn that Bella (in addition to hating the outdoors) in very particular about her food.  It is nearly always the same overcooked, canned vegetables, nothing touching, but arranged in fun mosaics.  Later, Vernon takes over, messily creating extravagant dishes.

There is no shortage of inspiration here, and though Cornish Hens don’t show up in the movie, they seem like something Vernon would have made.  Additionally, this movie takes place in somewhere in England, so why not the region of Cornwall? 

To conclude, if you’re up for a quirky little romantic movie and some tasty Cornish hens – this movie (and recipe) are for you!

Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens

Adapted from The Cozy Apron

Hens

4 cornish game hens

Orange slices (I used blood oranges)

8 cloves garlic, smashed

4 large sprigs rosemary

Salt and pepper

Glaze 

3 tablespoons orange juice (I used blood oranges)

¼ cup water

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon whiskey

Salt & pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Stuff the cavity of each hen with orange slices, 2 cloves of garlic and a sprig of rosemary.  Season with salt and pepper.

Place the hens in a large roasting pan, leaving a bit of space between each bird.  Add ½-inch of water to the bottom of the pan.  Place in the preheated oven to bake.

Meanwhile, make the glaze.  Put all of the glaze ingredients into a small saucepan over medium heat.  Cook, stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces and because slightly syrupy.

Once the hens have cooked for about 30 minutes, brush with glaze.  Continue cooking, brushing with glaze occasionally, for another 20-30 minutes or until the breast and thigh each reach 165 degrees F.