Moroccan-Style Cornish Game Hens Recipe

Name: Moroccan-Style Cornish Game Hens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cumin seeds; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 2 teaspoons cardamom seeds (from about 1 1/2 tablespoons cardamom pods); 2 teaspoons fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon whole cloves; 1/2 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 Cornish game hens (each 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), rinsed, patted dry; 1 pound carrots, peeled, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices; 1/2 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth; Orange-Honey Sauce

Servings: persons

1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 teaspoons cardamom seeds (from about 1 1/2 tablespoons cardamom pods)
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 Cornish game hens (each 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), rinsed, patted dry
1 pound carrots, peeled, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/2 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
Orange-Honey Sauce

1
Preheat oven to 400F.
2
Finely grind first 7 ingredients in spice grinder or coffee grinder.
3
Transfer to small bowl.
4
Whisk in orange juice, oil and garlic.
5
(Spice mixture can be made 1 day ahead.
6
Cover and chill.)
7
Rub spice mixture all over hens; place hens in large roasting pan.
8
Sprinkle hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
9
Tie legs together to hold shape.
10
Arrange carrots in pan around hens.
11
Sprinkle carrots with salt and pepper.
12
Roast 30 minutes.
13
Add stock to roasting pan.
14
Roast hens until juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced and carrots are tender, basting hens occasionally with pan juices, about 35 minutes longer.
15
Place 1 hen on each of 4 plates.
16
Arrange carrots alongside.
17
Spoon warm Orange-Honey Sauce over and serve.

375

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 2 teaspoons cardamom seeds (from about 1 1/2 tablespoons cardamom pods), 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, and more.

Yes, Moroccan-Style Cornish Game Hens falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Moroccan-Style Cornish Game Hens

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions