Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens

Apricot-glazed Cornish game hens have a way of transforming your kitchen into a tiny bistro, and you into a dramatic chef who expects a shouted “Yes, chef!” every time you give even the smallest instruction. These little hens come out of the oven golden, glossy and dramatically fragrant—exactly the sort of entree you would prepare when you want to impress guests. The apricot glaze turns sticky and jewel-like, the meat stays unbelievably juicy, and the whole thing looks far fancier than the effort required. This is an ideal date night recipe, a perfect holiday dinner for two, or a meal for those moments when you’re craving applause before anyone even tastes the food.

Ingredients for Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens

• Cornish game hens: Cornish game hens are small chickens that weigh just over a pound, making them perfect for elegant individual mains. They roast quickly, stay juicy and look impressive on the plate. Once you make a Cornish hen recipe, you will be obsessed.
• Seasoning: Salt seasons the hens, enhancing the natural juiciness of the meat while building a savory base that balances the sweet apricot glaze. Cayenne adds a subtle heat that keeps the glaze from being overly sweet.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the skin turn golden brown and crisp while adding richness to the glaze. Using butter both on the hens and in the glaze ensures layers of flavor that build as the hens roast.
• Apricot preserves: Apricot preserves form the glossy, fruity backbone of the glaze. As they melt, they become syrupy and fragrant, coating the hens with a silky coating of sweetness. Jam will work just as well, although you won’t have whole pieces of fruit in the finished dish, and it may be a little sweeter. Buy apricot preserves at the store (I love Bonne Maman apricot preserves) or make your own apricot jam at home.
• Honey: Honey adds a floral sweetness that deepens the flavor of the glaze and helps it caramelize beautifully in the oven. It contributes to the sticky, lacquered finish that makes this dish look restaurant-ready. Any type of honey will work; just look for raw and unfiltered honey without artificial additives for the best texture, fragrance and flavor.
• Grated onion: Grated onion (not sliced or diced) brings savory balance to the sweetness of the apricot and honey. It melts into the glaze as it cooks, adding gentle aromatics without overpowering the fruit.
• Ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs perfectly with apricot, giving the Cornish hens a cozy, holiday-friendly flavor profile.

Directions

Step 1: Season and prep the hens

Combine the salt and cayenne, then rub a third of the mixture inside the hens. Tuck the wings and tie the legs. Brush the hens with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle them the remaining seasoning mixture. Place them on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake the hens, uncovered, at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Setting the hens on a rack helps the heat circulate, allowing the skin to crisp evenly. If you don’t have a rack, try improvising with a bed of chopped vegetables, such as onions, celery and carrots.

Step 2: Make the apricot glaze

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, honey, grated onion, nutmeg and remaining butter. Cook and stir the mixture until the preserves are melted.

Editor’s Tip: If the glaze appears too thick, add a small amount of water to apply it smoothly.

Step 3: Glaze and finish roasting

Brush the glaze over the hens. Bake the hens for 35 to 40 minutes longer or until they’re golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 170°. Cover them and let them stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving them.

Editor’s Tip: If the skin starts getting too dark, tent the hens loosely with foil.

Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens Variations

• Make it with marmalade: Substitute orange marmalade for half of the apricot preserves for a brighter, citrusy glaze. This gives the dish a sunshiny flair that works beautifully for spring entertaining.
• Add herbs: Add rosemary or thyme to the saucepan while melting the preserves. The herbs bring an earthy contrast to the sweetness.
• Spice it up: Swap hot honey for the regular honey to introduce a sweet heat profile.
• Try it with ginger: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the glaze for a zippy, aromatic twist.

How to Store Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens

Store leftover apricot-glazed Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let them cool completely before storing them. Keep the glaze and drippings if you want extra moisture for reheating. You can store the Cornish game hens whole or carve them into portions, depending on your fridge space.

Can you freeze cooked Cornish game hens?

If you need longer storage, you can freeze cooked hens for up to three months. Wrap each one tightly in storage wrap and store them in a zip-top bag.

How should you reheat Cornish game hens?

To reheat Cornish game hens, warm them in a 325° oven until they’re heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Reheating them in the oven prevents the skin from becoming too soggy, and adding a spoonful of glaze or pan juices keeps the meat moist.

Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens Tips

What should you serve with apricot-glazed Cornish game hens?

Because apricot-glazed Cornish hens are sweet, savory and elegant, pair them with classic side dishes like wild rice, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots or green beans Amandine. A crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, and soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any extra glaze. For wine, pair the hens with a lightly oaked chardonnay, a dry riesling or even a fruity pinot noir—anything that complements the sweetness without overwhelming the dish.