Pomegranate Balsamic Glazed Cornish Game Hens
Elevate your dinner table with these stunning Pomegranate Balsamic Glazed Cornish Game Hens—a recipe that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and savory flavors. These tender, golden-roasted hens are generously brushed with a rich glaze made from pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic, creating a complex, caramelized finish. Fresh rosemary sprigs infuse aromatic depth while a hint of chicken broth ensures juicy results. Garnished with vibrant pomegranate seeds and optional chopped parsley, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings or indulgent dinners, these Cornish hens are a showstopper that will delight your guests. Ready in just 80 minutes, they strike the ideal balance between gourmet presentation and approachable cooking. Keywords: Pomegranate glazed Cornish hens, balsamic honey glaze, holiday recipe, roasted game hens, elegant dinner idea.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Cornish game hens
- 1 cup Pomegranate juice
- 0.5 cup Balsamic vinegar
- 0.25 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 4 Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 0.25 cup Pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Tuck the wings under the hens and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
In a medium saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces slightly and forms a glossy glaze.
Brush the hens liberally with some of the glaze and season with salt and black pepper. Place the hens in a large roasting pan breast-side up, and tuck a rosemary sprig under each bird.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the hens moist while roasting.
Roast the hens in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the glaze. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, tent the hens lightly with aluminum foil.
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and roast for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the glaze, ensuring the hens reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of the breast.
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4756 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 248.6 g | 319% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.4 g | 322% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1600 mg | 533% | |
| Sodium | 6472 mg | 281% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 120.5 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 109.1 g | ||
| Protein | 464.5 g | 929% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 421 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 28.0 mg | 156% | |
| Potassium | 5190 mg | 110% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
