How to Make Cornish Hen with Tart Cherry Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

Cornish hens are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a holiday meal. They are smaller than a regular chicken, making them perfect for individual servings. When paired with a sweet and tangy tart cherry sauce, they become a truly extraordinary dish that is sure to impress your guests.

The tender and juicy meat of the Cornish hen pairs perfectly with the rich and fruity flavors of the tart cherry sauce. The sweet and tart cherries complement the savory...

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Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ⅛ teaspoon paprika
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 Cornish game hens
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tart cherries, drained
  • 1 ½ cups red wine
  • ¼ cup pulp-free orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine sea salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, and paprika in a bowl. Place hens on a baking sheet and evenly brush with 5 tablespoons butter. Rub hens with spice mixture.
  • Bake hens in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 1/2 hours, basting every 1/2 hour with white wine. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).
  • Mix cherries, red wine, orange juice, and brown sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, and cook until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle flour into the sauce; whisk until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Drizzle cherry sauce over cooked hens.
  • Nutrition

    646 cal.

    • Total Fat: 41g
    • Saturated Fat: 19g
    • Cholesterol: 204mg
    • Sodium: 531mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 14g
    • Protein: 27g
    • Vitamin C: 11mg
    • Calcium: 54mg
    • Iron: 9mg
    • Potassium: 580mg