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Cozy Cranberry Glazed Cornish Hens for Two: Easy Dinner Recipe

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These Cornish hens are glazed with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce and roasted to perfection, making any night feel like a celebration. Ready in under an hour, they’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect for a special dinner for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 pounds each), giblets removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
  • Fresh cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Pat the hens completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit on the counter for 10 minutes to come to room temperature slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix into a paste.
  4. Rub the herb mixture all over the hens, including under the skin if possible. Don’t forget the legs and wings.
  5. Truss the hens (optional): Cut two pieces of kitchen twine about 12 inches each. Tie the legs together at the ankles, then tuck the wing tips under the body. If skipping, just tuck the wing tips under.
  6. Make the cranberry glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Stir until the butter melts and everything comes together, about 3-4 minutes. If using cinnamon, stir it in now. Remove from heat.
  7. Place the seasoned hens breast-side up in your roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes.
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Brush a generous layer of the cranberry glaze all over each hen. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
  9. After 10 minutes, brush on another layer of glaze. Roast for another 10 minutes.
  10. After the second glaze application, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. You’re looking for 165°F (74°C). If not there yet, brush on remaining glaze and roast for another 5-10 minutes, checking every 5 minutes.
  11. Once they hit 165°F, remove from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
  12. Transfer each hen to a plate, spoon any pan juices over the top, and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary if desired.

Notes

Pat the hens very dry for crispy skin. Watch the glaze carefully to prevent burning; tent with foil if needed. Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. For extra glaze, double the recipe and set some aside for drizzling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cornish hens, cranberry glaze, easy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, date night, holiday dinner

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/cozy-cranberry-glazed-cornish-hens-for-two-easy-dinner-recipe/