Sweet, Sticky & Oh-So-Succulent: Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
There’s something so special about Cornish hens—they’re elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight. And when you glaze them in a luscious, sweet-savory apricot sauce? Absolute perfection. This is the kind of meal that makes any night feel like a celebration.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and just a little fancy (without the extra work), these apricot-glazed Cornish hens are calling your name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of apricot jam, zing of Dijon mustard, and hint of garlic create the ultimate glaze.
- Easy Impressiveness: They look gourmet, but they’re shockingly simple to make.
- Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, date night, or Sunday dinner, this dish steals the show.
- Built-In Portion Control: No carving necessary—each person gets their own mini bird!
Ingredients Breakdown
What You’ll Need
- Cornish hens (2, about 1 to 1.5 lbs each) – These small birds cook quickly and stay super juicy.
- Apricot jam (½ cup) – The base of our glaze, bringing natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp) – Adds a little sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Because everything is better with garlic!
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted) – For richness and to help the skin crisp up.
- Fresh thyme (1 tsp, chopped) – Optional but brings a lovely earthiness.
- Salt & black pepper – To season the birds perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
Pro Tip:
If you can, let the hens sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. They’ll cook more evenly that way.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the apricot jam, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, melted butter, and thyme. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
- Brush the hens with olive oil, then roast for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, generously brush the hens with the apricot glaze and continue roasting, basting every 10 minutes, for another 20–25 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving—this keeps them incredibly juicy!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Extra Crispy Skin: For even crispier skin, start roasting the hens at 425°F for the first 15 minutes, then lower to 375°F.
- Make It Ahead: You can mix the glaze and season the birds a day in advance to save time.
- Resting Is Key: Letting the hens rest after cooking keeps them super moist.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the glaze.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh orange juice in the glaze gives a bright, citrusy note.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple herbed rice pilaf.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of Cornish hens?
Yes! Just use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a small whole chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make the apricot glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to keep the skin crisp.
Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens (1 to 1.5 lbs each)
- ½ cup apricot jam
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil.
- Pat hens dry, season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, mix apricot jam, mustard, garlic, butter, and thyme over low heat.
- Brush hens with olive oil and roast for 25 minutes.
- Baste with apricot glaze every 10 minutes until golden and cooked through (about 20–25 more minutes).
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Tag your creations with #TheKitchensAid on social media—I’d love to see your delicious results!
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