Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
Orange Glazed Cornish Hens are a show stopping grill recipe that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Juicy grilled Cornish hens are seasoned simply, then finished with a sticky sweet citrus glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the fire.
If you are looking for a show-stopping main dish for entertaining guests and holiday dinners, Cornish hens are actually really simple to grill with our tried and true method.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These grilled Cornish hens cook evenly and stay incredibly juicy.
- The orange glaze balances sweet citrus flavor with a touch of heat and savory depth.
- They look impressive on the plate for holiday entertaining but are simple enough for weeknight grilling.
Ingredients for Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
For the Cornish Hens
- Cornish hens
- Olive oil
- Out Grilling SPG Seasoning or try our Best Dry Rub
For the Orange Glaze
- Orange marmalade
- Pineapple juice
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Corn starch
- Granulated garlic
- Kosher salt
- Cayenne pepper
How to Grill Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
Season the Cornish Hens
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil, then season generously with Out Grilling SPG Seasoning on all sides.
- Tie the hens with butcher twine and then add a little more of the seasoning.
Make the Orange Glaze
- Add the orange marmalade, pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, corn starch, granulated garlic, kosher salt and cayenne pepper to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Grill the Hens
- Place the hens on the grill over indirect heat, breast side up. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches about 155 to 160 degrees in the thickest part of the breast, flipping once if needed for even cooking.
Glaze and Finish
- About 10 minutes before pulling the hens from the grill, brush generously with the orange glaze. Close the lid and allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
- Remove the hens from the grill when they reach 165° internal temperature with a digital thermometer inserted near the thick part of the thigh.
- Brush again with glaze just before serving.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Cornish hens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees until warmed through or shred the meat and make Grilled Chicken Parmesan Soup or Smoked Chicken and Dumplings.
Serve grilled Cornish hens with rice pilaf and maple glazed carrots or a side of grilled vegetables.
If you’re looking for a grilled chicken recipe that delivers amazing flavor and a stunning presentation, these Orange Glazed Cornish Hens belong on your grill.
Have you tried this Orange Glazed Cornish Hens recipe? Leave a comment and a star rating below to let me know how it turned out.
Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
Ingredients
- 6 Cornish Hens
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup Out Grilling SPG or Best Dry Rub
For Orange Glaze
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill for indirect cooking to medium heat, about 300° using hickory or oak for smoke flavor.
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil, then season generously with Out Grilling SPG Seasoning on all sides.
- Tie the hens with butcher twine and then add a little more of the seasoning.
- Place the hens on the grill over indirect heat, breast side up. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches about 155 to 160 degrees in the thickest part of the breast, flipping once if needed for even cooking.
- While the hens are grilling, add the orange marmalade, pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, corn starch, granulated garlic, kosher salt and cayenne pepper to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- About 10 minutes before pulling the hens from the grill, brush generously with the orange glaze. Close the lid and allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
- Remove the hens from the grill when they reach 165° internal temperature with a digital thermometer inserted near the thick part of the thigh.
- Brush again with glaze just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
