Best 11 Cornish Game Hens In Cranberry Apricot Brandy Sauce Recipes

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Cornish game hens, also known as Cornish hens or cornish chickens, are small, young chickens that are known for their tender meat and delicate flavor. They are often served whole, and can be roasted, grilled, or fried. In this article, we will explore a delicious recipe for cooking cornish game hens in a flavorful cranberry apricot brandy sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, and is sure to impress your family and friends. With its combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, this dish is a delightful culinary experience that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

APRICOT-GLAZED CORNISH HENS FOR TWO



Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens for Two image

I found this easy recipe for Cornish hens and prepare it often for my family. The glaze keeps the hens tender and moist, and the skin roasts to a golden glow. It's tasty, too. When the children are gone for the weekend, my husband and I enjoy this meal-perfect for two.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
2 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Combine the salt and cayenne. Rub a third of the mixture inside hens. Brush 1 tablespoon butter over hens; sprinkle with remaining seasoning mixture. Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes., Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the preserves, honey, onion, nutmeg and remaining butter. Cook and stir until preserves are melted. Brush over hens. Bake 35-40 minutes longer or until golden brown and a thermometer reads 180°. Cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts :

CRANBERRY-STUFFED CORNISH GAME HENS



Cranberry-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens image

Dried cranberries add plenty of flavor to these Cornish game hens.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounces rye bread (about 1/2 loaf), trimmed of crust and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small leek, white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced into half-moons, and rinsed well
3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, wiped clean, and coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, plus leaves (optional), for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup reduced-fat, low-sodium canned chicken broth
6 Cornish game hens (1 1/2 pounds each)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup port

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread out diced bread on a rimmed baking sheet; toastin oven, turning occasionally, until light brown and dry, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside.
  • Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add leek, mushrooms, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; stir in bread, chopped sage, parsley, mustard, thyme, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/2 cup broth.
  • Spoon stuffing into bird cavities; tie legs together with kitchen twine. Rub birds with butter, then sprinkle with pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Arrange birds on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees, and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thighs (avoiding bone) registers 170 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer rack with birds to a rimmed baking sheet, and let rest.
  • Set roasting pan on top of stove across two burners; set heat to medium-high. Add port and remaining 1/4 cup broth; deglaze pan, scraping up any browned bits from bottom with a wooden spoon. Add remaining 1/4 cup dried cranberries; cook, stirring, until sauce reduces slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Place birds on a serving platter, and drizzle sauce over them. Garnish with sage leaves, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 487 g, Cholesterol 223 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 53 g, Sodium 759 g

APRICOT-GLAZED CORNISH HENS



Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens image

The sweetness from the apricot preserves combined with Sriracha adds a nice twist on the traditional roasted cornish hen.

Provided by CookingWithShelia

Categories     Cornish Hens

Time 1h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

cooking spray
1 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon butter
2 (1 1/4 pound) Cornish game hens
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
mango-habanero seasoning to taste
4 sprigs fresh basil, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a cookie sheet generously with cooking spray.
  • Combine apricot preserves, Sriracha, Worcestershire, and butter in a small pot and melt over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent from sticking.
  • Clean hens and pat dry with paper towels. Coat outsides and insides with oil. Season with mango-habanero seasoning; insert sprigs of basil inside of the hens.
  • Place hens on the prepared cookie sheet and cover with foil.
  • Cook in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and baste with apricot glaze. Put back in the oven and cook until no longer pink in the centers, about 15 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.8 calories, Carbohydrate 52.9 g, Cholesterol 110.7 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 23.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 314.3 mg, Sugar 35.2 g

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH BACON AND CRANBERRY SAUCE



Cornish Game Hens With Bacon and Cranberry Sauce image

Make and share this Cornish Game Hens With Bacon and Cranberry Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Oolala

Categories     Poultry

Time 1h25m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 Cornish hens, halved lengthwise
salt
pepper
2 slices bacon, cut in half
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 cup hot water
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup water
3 tablespoons whole berry cranberry sauce
1 (4 ounce) can canned mushroom slices, can use 1/2 lb. fresh sliced mushrooms

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Season hens with salt and pepper.
  • Place, cut side down, in large shallow roasting pan.
  • Put 1/2 slice of bacon on each half hen.
  • Sprinkle with lemon juice.
  • Dissolve bouillon cube in the boiling water and add to the bottom of the pan.
  • Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until juice runs clear when thigh is pierced with a fork. Baste often with pan drippings.
  • When hens are done, remove to a serving platter.
  • Pour pan drippings into medium saucepan.
  • Blend flour into the drippings.
  • Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until browned.
  • Gradually add 1 cup of water. Cook, stirring contanstly, until smooth and thickened.
  • Stir in cranberry sauce and mushrooms.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer 10 minutes and serve over the hens.
  • Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403, Fat 12.1, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 223.2, Sodium 962.6, Carbohydrate 20, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 11.8, Protein 51.1

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH CRANBERRY SAUCE



Cornish Game Hens With Cranberry Sauce image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 Cornish game hens, with giblets,each about 1 1/4 pounds
2 tablespoons corn, peanut or vegetable oil
Salt to taste if desired
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 onion, peeled
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon honey
2/3 cup fresh or canned chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  • Put the game hens in a shallow, flameproof baking dish without crowding. Rub the hens all over with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cut the onion in half and place the halves, cut side down, around the hens. Arrange the gizzards and livers around the hens.
  • Place the baking dish with hens on top of the stove over low heat. Turn the hens around in the dish to coat with the oil. Arrange the hens on their sides. Place in the oven and bake 15 minutes, basting often.
  • Turn the hens to other side and continue baking 15 minutes, basting often.
  • Turn the hens breast side up and continue baking about 10 minutes, basting often.
  • Transfer the hens to a heated serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Skim off most of the fat from the pan liquid in the baking dish. Put the baking dish on top of the stove and bring the pan liquid to a boil. Add the wine and stir to dissolve any brown particles that may cling to the bottom of the pan. Strain the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook down to about half and add the honey, chicken broth and tomato paste. Stir. Add any liquid that has accumulated inside or around the hens. Add the cranberries and bring to a boil.
  • Cook until the cranberries pop, about 3 minutes, stirring often. Swirl in the butter. Add salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the hens and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 834, UnsaturatedFat 37 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 57 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 59 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 1161 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH APRICOT SAUCE



Cornish Game Hens with Apricot Sauce image

This recipe for moist Cornish hens with apricot sauce comes from Janet Reynolds of Leesburg, Virginia.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each), patted dry
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup dry white wine
1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1 1/2 cups couscous

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450. Using kitchen twine, tie hens legs together; tuck wing tips underneath. Rub hens with a total of 1 tablespoon oil and 3/4 teaspoon thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Place hens, breast side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) registers 165, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Cover loosely with aluminum foil; let rest 5 to 10 minutes.
  • While hens are roasting, make sauce: In a large skillet with a lid, heat remaining oil over medium; add onion and garlic, and cook until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add wine, and simmer until reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth, cream, honey, lemon juice, and apricots; raise heat to high, and boil until mixture (including solids) is reduced to 2 cups, 12 to 15 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Return sauce to skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package instructions. Add remaining thyme, and season with salt and pepper; fluff with a fork. Halve hens; serve with couscous and sauce.

CORNISH GAME HEN WITH DOUBLE-CRANBERRY AND THYME SAUCE



Cornish Game Hen with Double-Cranberry and Thyme Sauce image

This is the perfect entrée for a holiday dinner for two. Complete the meal with sautéed green beans and wild mushrooms and a wild-rice pilaf with chopped fresh parsley and hazelnuts. For dessert? Chocolate mousse topped with rum-spiked whipped cream and chopped crystallized ginger.

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Categories     Roast     Quick & Easy     Cranberry     Fall     Winter     Thyme     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon golden brown sugar
3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
1 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-pound Cornish game hen, halved, backbone removed, rinsed, patted dry
1/2 tablespoon all purpose flour
3/4 cup low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup white grape juice
1/3 cup frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Blend 2 tablespoons butter, sugar, and 2 teaspoons thyme in small bowl. Sprinkle hen halves with salt and pepper. Spread skin of each with half of butter mixture. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add hen halves, skin side down. Sear until deep brown, about 4 minutes. Turn, skin side up, and sear 1 minute. Remove from heat. Transfer hen halves, skin side up, to small rimmed baking sheet. Reserve skillet (mixture will be dark). Roast hen halves until cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with fork, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, blend remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon flour in small bowl. Add broth, grape juice, cranberry concentrate, and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme to reserved skillet. Boil until sauce is reduced to 3/4 cup, whisking often, about 7 minutes. Whisk in flour mixture and cranberries. Simmer until sauce coats spoon, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer hen halves to plates. Spoon sauce over and serve.

GLAZED CORNISH GAME HENS WITH APRICOT PISTACHIO DRESSING



Glazed Cornish Game Hens With Apricot Pistachio Dressing image

Cornish game hens are festive and readily available. I've even made them the centerpiece of a holiday meal. These little birds cook much more quickly than other holiday roasts, such as lamb or ham. I normally figure on one hen (in the 1 1/2- to 2-pound range) to serve every two guests - especially if you also plan to have a first course and a dessert.

Provided by Ben S.

Categories     Main Dish Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 Cornish game hens (about 1 1/2 pounds each), cut down the backbone with heavy-duty scissors and spread open
2 cups kosher salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium-large onion, cut into medium dice
1 cup dried apricots, cut into medium dice
½ cup apricot jam
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Brining the hens before roasting improves their flavor: Dissolve 2 cups of kosher salt in a clean bucket filled with 5 quarts of water. Add prepared hens and soak for 2 hours. Rinse thoroughly; pat dry.
  • Adjust oven rack to upper middle position, and heat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet. Saute onions until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in apricots, then spread mixture onto a large (about 18-by-12-inch) lipped cookie sheet. Lay hens over the mixture. Mix jam and vinegar, and brush all but a few tablespoons over hens.
  • Bake hens, brushing 2 or 3 times with remaining jam mixture and accumulated pan juices, until hens are golden brown and juices run clear, about 45 minutes. Turn heat from bake to broil, then cook until hens are spotty brown, watching carefully so they don't burn, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Transfer hens to a large platter with tongs, then cut in half at the breastbone to create individual servings.
  • Return apricot dressing to the oven and broil to evaporate some of the excess liquid, about 5 minutes longer. Stir in pistachios and parsley. Spoon in a mound next to hens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 866.1 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 339.9 mg, Fat 56 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 60.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.2 g, Sodium 23025.5 mg, Sugar 20.3 g

APRICOT-GLAZED CORNISH HENS



Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens image

These savory hens are a tasty sized-right twist on the conventional bird. Filled with a well-seasoned stuffing, they make perfect individual servings, reveals Ruth Andrewson of Leavenworth, Washington. "The hens smell so good while baking, folks can hardly wait to eat," she smiles.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 tablespoons chopped celery
3 tablespoons chopped onion
1/4 cup butter, cubed
3 cups dry bread cubes
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1-1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 to 4 tablespoons chicken broth
4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
1 jar (12 ounces) apricot preserves, warmed
4 green onions (green part only), optional
Fresh rosemary sprigs, optional

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute celery and onion in butter until tender; remove from heat. Add the bread, mushrooms and seasonings. Toss with enough chicken broth just to moisten. , Stuff hens. Tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a large shallow baking pan. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour. , Brush with preserves. Bake, uncovered, 30-45 minutes longer or until meat juices run clear, basting every 10-15 minutes. , If using green onions, first soften them in boiling water or the microwave for a few seconds, then tie over the string used to tie the drumsticks together. Garnish platter with rosemary if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 42 g fat (15 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 216 mg cholesterol, Sodium 1,239 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 116 g carbohydrate, Fiber 4 g fiber, Protein 43 g protein.

CORNISH GAME HENS WITH CURRY APRICOT GLAZE



Cornish Game Hens With Curry Apricot Glaze image

My husband and I have very differing tastes in food but this one dish we both love equally. It was adapted from a Bon Appetit magazine and is nice enough to have on special occasions. The preparation is suprisingly easy for such an elegant dish. Serve with white rice.

Provided by Slatts

Categories     Chicken

Time 50m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 Cornish hen, halved lengthwise
1/3 cup apricot jam
2 tablespoons mango chutney
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 lime
1 green onion, chopped
1/4 cup salted peanuts, crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Rinse and dry game hen halves and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on foil lined baking sheet.
  • Combine jam, chutney, and curry powder in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Once mixture comes to a boil brush two tablespoons over the game hens. Reserve the rest of the mixture for a sauce.
  • Bake games in the oven for about 35 minutes or until golden.
  • Add chicken broth to the remaining mixture in the sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened.
  • When ready to serve, place games hens on a plate of rice and top with lime juice, spoon sauce around the plate. Sprinkle with green onions and crushed peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 454.3, Fat 18.6, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 108.8, Sodium 429.2, Carbohydrate 45.2, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 25.2, Protein 32.2

CORNISH GAME HENS IN CRANBERRY-APRICOT BRANDY SAUCE



CORNISH GAME HENS IN CRANBERRY-APRICOT BRANDY SAUCE image

Categories     Game     Low Fat     Kid-Friendly     Dinner

Yield 4-6 people

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 hen per person (4-6)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 honey
1/2 cup apricot brandy
1/2 cup dried cranberries
cornstarch and cold water to thicken sauce

Steps:

  • 1) Clean and halve the hens. Bake the hens at 375 degrees about 45 minutes. 2) Heat brandy and cranberries over medium heat until simmering. Carefully light brandy and stir until flame goes out. Add honey and vinegar. 3) Mix cornstarch and cold water, thicken with cornstarch as necessary. Serve over hens with wild rice.

Tips:

  • Prep the Cornish Game Hens: Rinse and pat dry the hens. Remove any giblets or excess fat. Season the hens inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
  • Make the Cranberry-Apricot-Brandy Sauce: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, apricots, brandy, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  • Stuff and Roast the Hens: Stuff the hens with the cranberry-apricot-brandy sauce. Place the hens in a roasting pan and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 1-1.5 hours, or until the hens are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once the hens are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cranberries, apricots, and herbs. Serve with the remaining cranberry-apricot-brandy sauce.

Conclusion:

This recipe for Cornish game hens in cranberry-apricot-brandy sauce is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The hens are roasted to perfection and the sauce is rich and flavorful. With a little planning and effort, you can create a meal that will wow your guests.

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