preheat oven to 350˚

lightly grease the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan with the olive oil

to spatchcock the hens lay them breast down on a cutting board, use kitchen shears to cut along each side of the backbone and remove it entirely

turn the hen over, gently flatten with your hand

sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper on both sides and place in the baking pan

repeat with the second hen

cover with foil

place in the oven and set the timer for 20 minutes

make or reheat the glaze

when the timer goes off increase the oven heat to 400˚ and set the timer for 10 minutes

remove the foil and brush the glaze over the hens 2-3 times in the last ten minutes of baking

when the timer rings check to make sure the internal temperature of the birds in 165˚ if not cook five more minutes or until cooked through

remove to a serving dish and drizzle with more glaze or serve with warm glaze

To make the glaze: whisk the balsamic vinegar, hot sauce, honey and soy sauce in a small sauce pan over medium heat until well combined, add the rest of the ingredients and let it come to a light boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook down until it's thick and coats the back of spoon, roughly 10 minutes