If you’ve been looking for a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make, this Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen recipe is an absolute winner. Each tender Cornish hen is beautifully roasted and glazed with a luscious orange marmalade sauce that caramelizes to a perfect golden finish. The combination of sweet and tangy marmalade with just the right touch of savory seasoning creates flavors that feel indulgent yet straightforward enough for a weeknight or special occasion. This recipe not only delivers elegance on your plate but does so with surprising ease, making it one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family who appreciate a tasty, fuss-free feast.

Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but crucial to nailing the irresistible taste and appearance of your Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen. Each item brings its own magic: the hens themselves are perfectly portioned, the marmalade offers that signature glossy citrus punch, and the seasonings balance the sweetness with subtle savory hints.

2 whole Cornish game hens (1 to 1 1/2 lb each): Ideal single-serving size for an elegant, individual presentation.

Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the birds.
1/2 cup orange or blood orange marmalade: Creates the sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds fresh citrus brightness and thins the glaze for easy brushing.
2 tsp Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tang and depth to the glaze.

1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce (such as San-J): Enhances umami and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Optional garnishes: Fresh orange slices, orange zest, fresh sage or mixed herbs provide beautiful color and fragrant notes.
Wild rice or your preferred grain: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious marmalade glaze.

How to Make Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Cornish Hens

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, unwrap the Cornish hens, trim any excess fat, and pat them completely dry with paper towels for crisp skin. Place each hen breast-side down on a roasting rack inside a pan or directly on a lined baking tray if you don’t have a rack. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple prep sets the stage for an irresistible, crispy skin and juicy meat that the Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen is known for.

Step 2: Roast the Hens

Slide your roasting pan onto the center rack and let the birds roast undisturbed for 45 minutes. During this time, you’ll notice the skin turning a lovely golden-brown, with a crispness that makes every bite satisfying. Patience is key here – don’t peek too early to maintain heat and promote even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Marmalade Glaze

While the Cornish hens are roasting, whisk together your orange or blood orange marmalade, freshly squeezed orange juice, Dijon mustard, and gluten-free soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth. This magical glaze is the heart of the Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen, delivering that sweet, tangy, and savory flavor that perfectly compliments the rich poultry.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Roasting the Hens

Once the initial roasting time has passed and your hens boast a crispy, browned skin, begin brushing the orange glaze over them every few minutes. Continue roasting for about 15 more minutes, reapplying the glaze to build up that gorgeous caramelized coating. The marmalade’s sugars will bubble and set, creating a glossy finish that looks impressive but truly requires minimal effort.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After removing the hens from the oven, allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist. Plate each hen alongside a bed of wild rice or your favorite grain, and adorn with fresh orange slices, a sprinkle of orange zest, and a few fresh herbs like sage to complete the presentation. This final touch not only adds color but elevates the aroma, inviting everyone to dig in.

How to Serve Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen

Garnishes

Garnishing is where your Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen truly shines on the table. Bright orange slices and zesty orange peel scattered around the hens bring life and freshness. Sprinkle some fresh sage or mixed herbs over the top to add an earthy aroma that contrasts beautifully with the citrus glaze. These simple additions transform the dish into a feast for the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

Pairing this orange marmalade glazed bird is all about balance. Wild rice or fluffy mashed potatoes work perfectly to soak up the sticky, flavorful glaze. Roasted veggies like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add texture and subtle sweetness that harmonize with the marmalade. For a refreshing contrast, a crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, making each bite feel vibrant and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests or simply delight your family, consider serving each Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen nestled on a bed of colorful roasted root vegetables for a rustic feel. Or elevate it further by placing the hens atop wild rice pilaf studded with toasted nuts and dried fruits. Add edible flowers or microgreens for a modern touch that’s sure to spark conversation. Presentation can turn a simple meal into a culinary celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’re done savoring the first round, store any leftover Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For best texture and easier reheating, carve the meat off the bones first. Stored properly, the flavors stay vibrant and the meat stays juicy for up to three days, making for delicious quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Cornish hens for up to three months by placing the meat in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Press out air to avoid freezer burn. Keep in mind the marmalade glaze might become slightly less glossy after thawing, but the flavor remains delightfully intact, offering you the convenience of a ready-made, elegant meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat your stored Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen, place the meat covered with foil in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain skin crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch but can soften the skin and glaze. If the glaze looks dry, brush a little mixture of marmalade and orange juice over the meat before heating for that luscious finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Cornish hens for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge for about 24 hours before cooking. Frozen hens thawed properly cook just as well and will soak up the orange marmalade glaze beautifully.

What if I don’t have orange marmalade?

No worries! You can substitute apricot jam, peach preserves, or even honey combined with fresh orange zest for a similar citrus-sweet glaze that pairs nicely with the hens.

How do I know when the Cornish hens are fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for perfect doneness.

Can I prepare the orange glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk before brushing to ensure it’s smooth and easy to apply.

Is there a way to make the skin extra crispy?

Patting the hens dry before seasoning is key. You can also start roasting them breast-side down for the first half of cooking, then flip and finish breast-side up while applying the glaze. This method helps render the fat and crisp the skin beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that looks like a celebration but feels like a comforting home-cooked meal—and that’s exactly what the Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen delivers. It combines elegance, flavor, and ease in a way that makes cooking feel joyful and rewarding. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones because it has a way of turning everyday dinners into memorable occasions.

Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 75 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Simple Orange Marmalade Cornish Hen recipe offers an elegant, flavorful dish with individual hens glazed in a sweet and tangy orange marmalade mixture. The hens roast to a golden brown with a glossy caramelized glaze, combining minimal ingredients for a fancy yet easy meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare and Season the Cornish Hens: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), using the Roast setting if available. Remove the Cornish hens from packaging, trim any excess fat, and pat dry with paper towels. Place hens breast-side down on a rack inside a roasting pan (or foil/parchment-lined tray if no rack). Ensure wings are on top and drumsticks touch the pan. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Roast the Hens: Place the roasting pan with hens on the middle oven rack. Roast undisturbed for 45 minutes to brown and crisp the skin.
Prepare the Orange Glaze: While hens roast, whisk together marmalade, freshly squeezed orange juice, Dijon mustard, and gluten-free soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Glaze and Finish Roasting: After 45 minutes, check hens for browned, crisp skin. Brush the orange glaze over each hen every few minutes while continuing to roast for an additional 15 minutes, until glaze caramelizes and skin is golden with browned spots. Total roasting time about 1 hour.

Rest and Serve: Remove hens and let rest about 5 minutes. Serve each with wild rice or preferred grain, garnished with leftover glaze, fresh orange slices, orange zest, and fresh sage or mixed herbs for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

Always check internal temperature by inserting a thermometer into the thickest thigh (not touching bone) aiming for 165°F to ensure safe cooking.
Apply marmalade glaze only in the last 15-20 minutes to prevent burning and bitterness.

Pat hens thoroughly dry before seasoning for extra crispy skin; consider starting breast-side down for the first half of roasting, then flip.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months—reheat gently to avoid soggy skin.
Substitute apricot jam, peach preserves, or honey with orange zest for marmalade; regular soy sauce or Worcestershire can replace gluten-free soy sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen with glaze and sides

Calories: 375
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 480mg

Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1.5g

Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: orange marmalade, cornish hen, roasted poultry, citrus glaze, weeknight dinner, elegant dinner, gluten free