Honey-Glazed Cornish Hen with Sea Salt and Thyme
Oven-roasted Cornish hen glazed with honey and fresh thyme, finished with a light sprinkle of coarse sea salt for a crisp, aromatic skin. This british-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs Cornish chicken leg quarters, honey, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Cornish chicken leg quarters
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp Falmouth sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp Falmouth sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 2: Place 4 Cornish chicken leg quarters in a baking dish and brush the honey-thyme glaze generously all over each piece.
- Step 3: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, basting with remaining glaze halfway through, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Glazed Cornish Hen with Sea Salt and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Cornish Hen with Sea Salt and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornish chicken leg quarters from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Cornish Hen with Sea Salt and Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey-Glazed Cornish Hen with Sea Salt and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Honey-Glazed Cornish Hen with Sea Salt and Thyme?
British chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
