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Epicurious

Chili-Roasted Game Hens with Jalapeño-Orange Sauce

4.3

(14)

Tame the heat with turnip greens and biscuits, then warm up again with hot chocolate topped with cinnamon whipped cream.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

2 Cornish game hens, halved lengthwise
8 cilantro sprigs plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 teaspoon chili powder (preferably chipotle)
1/2 cup hot red jalapeño jelly
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1/2 cup bottled red salsa

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Slide fingertips under game hen skin to loosen from meat. Insert cilantro sprigs under skin. Sprinkle hens with chipotle chili powder; season with salt. Place hens, skin side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Roast 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, stir jelly, orange juice, and orange peel in small saucepan over medium heat until jelly melts, about 2 minutes. Brush hens with some jelly mixture; continue to roast until cooked through and brown, brushing once more with mixture, about 15 minutes longer.

    Step 3

    Bring remaining jelly mixture to simmer. Stir in chopped cilantro and salsa. Spoon sauce over hens and serve.

TagsCornish HenChickenPoultryCilantroHerbs & SpicesOrangeCitrusFruitMainDinnerDairy FreeNut FreeRoastBon Appétit
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