Cornish Game Hens With Cranberry Gravy
Juicy Cornish game hens roasted with aromatic herbs, bacon, and served with a tangy cranberry gravy, perfect for elegant family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 thawed Cornish game hens ⓘ
- 8 whole cloves ⓘ
- 8 small thin slices onion ⓘ
- 4 slices lemon ⓘ
- 8 small sprigs celery leaves ⓘ
- 8 sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 3 c. chicken stock
- 1/4 c. dry vermouth ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1/3 c. white vinegar ⓘ
- 6 whole cloves ⓘ
- 1 stick cinnamon ⓘ
- 14 oz. can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cold water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Wash the hens and dry well inside and out with paper towels.
- Sprinkle the inside of each hen with salt and pepper.
- Add a small piece of bay leaf, a sliver of garlic, a clove, a slice of onion, half a slice of lemon, a sprig of celery leaves, and a sprig of parsley inside each bird.
- Tie legs and wings close to the bodies and set the birds in a lightly oiled roasting pan.
- Lay a half strip of bacon over the breast of each bird.
- Add quartered onions, giblets, chicken stock, and vermouth to the pan.
- Roast for 15 minutes at 450°F.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting until the birds are tender, about 45 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Remove the bacon during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Prepare the cranberry gravy by combining cranberry sauce, water, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and simmering.
- Mix cold water with cornstarch to make a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the cranberry sauce mixture and cook until thickened.
- Serve the hens with the cranberry gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful stuffing, consider adding some chopped apples or dried cranberries to the inside of the hens. If you don't have dry vermouth, white wine is a suitable substitute. When basting, use the pan juices to enhance the flavor of the hens. Be careful not to overcook, as Cornish game hens can dry out quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cornish game hens with the cranberry gravy drizzled on top for a festive presentation. Pair with sides like Randy's Green Bean Surprise or fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. A light salad can also complement the richness of the dish, making it a great choice for special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cornish game hens should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornish Game Hens With Cranberry Gravy contains roughly 1270 calories, with 26g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value), and calcium (116% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1216mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Cornish game hens for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Cornish game hens, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps to avoid any uneven texture or flavor. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
What can I substitute for cranberry sauce in the gravy?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cranberry sauce with a homemade mixture of fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Simmer the cranberries until they burst and thicken, then follow the same steps for making the gravy.
How long do I roast the hens if I increase the quantity?
If you increase the number of hens, keep an eye on the cooking time. You may need to add 10-15 minutes per additional hen, but always check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for safe consumption. Ensure they are spaced well in the roasting pan for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).