Cranberry Glazed Cornish Hen
Juicy Cornish hens glazed with a tangy cranberry and orange sauce, perfect for festive dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, chicken gravy, and grated orange peel.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
- Sprinkle the hens with salt and pepper.
- Place on a rack with a drip pan, skin side down; brush generously with glaze.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Turn hens over.
- Brush with glaze and bake for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear, basting often with glaze.
- Serve over wild rice.
- Garnish with orange slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangy twist, consider using homemade cranberry sauce instead of jellied. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the Dijon mustard. You can substitute the Cornish hens with cut-up chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Basting frequently will keep the hens moist and flavorful, similar to techniques used in Chicken De Vine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the glazed Cornish hens over a bed of wild rice, which complements the tart cranberry flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish also pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes or honey-glazed carrots for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover glazed Cornish hens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hens in a baking dish covered with foil to retain moisture, and bake at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Glazed Cornish Hen contains roughly 94 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% 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 make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just reheat it gently on the stove before brushing it on the hens to ensure it’s nice and smooth.
What should I do if I can't find Cornish hens?
If Cornish hens are unavailable, you can substitute with small game hens or a cut-up whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.
How can I tell when the Cornish hens are done cooking?
Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat; it should read at least 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced. Basting with the glaze will also help keep them moist.
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).