Cranberry-Glazed Cornish Hens
Cranberry-glazed Cornish hens offer a festive, tangy-sweet flavor combination, perfect for special occasions or family dinners. Juicy poultry glazed with a vibrant cranberry sauce.
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 the glaze is smooth.
- Cut the hens in half lengthwise, rinse, and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place hens on a rack with a drip pan, skin side down; brush hens generously with the glaze.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
- Turn hens, brush with glaze, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until juices run clear when pricked with a fork.
- While roasting, brush hens often with the glaze.
- Serve on a bed of cooked wild rice and garnish with orange slices.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze. If you don’t have jellied cranberry sauce, you can substitute it with whole cranberry sauce or even a homemade cranberry reduction. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Ensure the hens are well-rinsed and patted dry for crispy skin during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the glazed Cornish hens on a bed of cooked wild rice for a beautiful presentation. Pair with seasonal vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal. This dish pairs beautifully with the Warm Chicken Roll-Ups for a delightful feast that can impress your guests during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cranberry-glazed Cornish 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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, brushing with additional glaze if desired, until heated through and the skin is crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Glazed Cornish Hens contains roughly 109 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to use, reheat it gently on the stove before brushing it on the hens.
What can I serve with Cornish hens?
Cornish hens are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables. They also go well with grain-based sides like quinoa or couscous.
Can I use a different type of poultry?
You can substitute Cornish hens with small chickens or game hens. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
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).