Pomegranate Glazed Cornish Hens
A festive pomegranate glazed Cornish hens recipe for Christmas entertaining.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 Cornish hens (about 1 1/4 pounds each)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 rosemary sprigs
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Prepare: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the hens dry, season inside and out, and place rosemary and orange in each cavity.
- Start roasting: Rub with oil, arrange breast-side up on a rack, and roast for 25 minutes.
- Make the glaze: Simmer pomegranate juice, honey, balsamic, Dijon, and garlic for 12 to 15 minutes until syrupy.
- Glaze and finish: Lower oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the hens three times while roasting for 20 to 30 minutes more, until the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Rest for 15 minutes, halve each hen, and garnish with pomegranate arils.
Notes
Editorial recipe draft: kitchen testing is required before making performance guarantees.