Juicy Bacon Wrapped Cornish Game Hen: A Culinary Masterpiece

The aroma of roasting poultry always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She had a way of transforming simple ingredients into feasts. While her specialty was roast chicken, I remember the first time she made Cornish game hens. They seemed so elegant, so special. I watched, mesmerized, as she carefully browned them in butter, creating a symphony of smells that filled the entire house. This bacon-wrapped Cornish game hen recipe is a tribute to those cherished memories, a way to elevate a classic with smoky bacon and a sweet-spicy glaze.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 1-2
• Yield: 2 hen halves
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be gluten-free and dairy-free with substitutions)

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter (Blue Bonnet recommended, but any unsalted butter will work)
• 3 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons seasoning salt
• 1 tablespoon orange juice (Simply Orange Pulp Free recommended, but any pulp-free orange juice is fine)
• 1-2 Cornish hens
• 4 slices bacon (Turkey or Pork)

Equipment Needed

• Small pot
• Round baking dish
• Paper towels
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.

2. In a small pot, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the honey and chili powder. Mix well until everything is fully combined into a smooth sauce.

3. Stir in the orange juice. At this point, you can add salt and pepper to taste if desired, but the seasoning salt already contributes a good amount of saltiness. Keep the pot on very low heat to keep the glaze warm and fluid.

4. Cut each Cornish hen into two halves, separating them along the backbone with a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

5. Rinse the hen halves thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown color.

6. Place the hen halves in a round baking dish, skin side down. Put the baking dish into the preheated oven and let them bake for 10 minutes. This initial bake helps to render some of the fat and get the cooking process started.

7. Take the baking dish out of the oven. Turn the hen halves over so that the skin side is now facing up. Generously baste each hen half with the honey-chili glaze, ensuring that all surfaces are well coated. Use all of the glaze you prepared.

8. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the hens are well-browned and cooked through. Periodically, about every 10-15 minutes, open the oven and baste the hens with the glaze that has accumulated in the bottom of the pan. This continuous basting is key to creating a sticky, flavorful crust.

   To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the skin is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the hens with aluminum foil.

9. Once the timer goes off, remove the hen from the oven. Wrap two bacon slices around each of the hen halves, tucking the bacon under the wing tips and around to help secure it. After the hen halves have been wrapped in bacon, coat the hen halves with even more glaze from the pan. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking until the bacon is light brown and crispy. The bacon will take around 10 minutes to cook, so keep a close eye so that the bacon doesn’t burn.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy skin, after patting the hens dry, leave them uncovered in the refrigerator for an hour or two before cooking. This allows the skin to dry out even more.
• If you are using turkey bacon, which tends to be leaner, you may want to brush it with a little melted butter before wrapping it around the hens to help it crisp up.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If you are making more than two hen halves, use two separate baking dishes to ensure even cooking.
• The glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before using.
• If you don’t have orange juice on hand, pineapple juice or apple juice can be used as a substitute.
• To add a bit of smokiness to the hens, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the chili powder in the glaze.
• If the glaze starts to thicken too much during cooking, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the bacon-wrapped Cornish game hens immediately after cooking. They are delicious served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with loaded mashed potatoes, peas and carrots and crescent rolls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an elegant touch.

Leftover hen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bacon may not be as crispy. Avoid leaving cooked poultry at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1091.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	630 kcal	58%
Total Fat	70 g	107%
Saturated Fat	36.3 g	181%
Cholesterol	361.4 mg	120%
Sodium	1014.8 mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	67.7 g	22%
Dietary Fiber	3.9 g	15%
Sugars	62.4 g	249%
Protein	53.9 g	107%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick.
• Herbed: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage into the glaze for a more savory flavor profile.
• Citrusy: Use lemon or lime juice instead of orange juice for a brighter, tangier glaze.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that your seasoning salt and bacon are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute.
• Maple-Glazed: Substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
• Bacon Substitute: Instead of bacon, pancetta, prosciutto, or even ham can be used.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use chicken instead of Cornish hens?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken pieces will require longer cooking times to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the bacon during the final stage of cooking. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly or tent the hens with foil.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also cut and rinse the hens. However, it is best to assemble and cook the dish just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: What if I don’t have seasoning salt?
A: You can use a combination of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create a similar flavor.

Q: Can I grill these instead of baking them?
A: Yes, you can grill the hens over medium heat, basting frequently with the glaze. Be sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

This bacon-wrapped Cornish game hen recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. The combination of juicy, tender poultry, smoky bacon, and a sweet-spicy glaze is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Enjoy!