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