Pomegranate Glazed Cornish Game Hens
Elevate your dinner table with the unforgettable flavors of Pomegranate Glazed Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping dish perfect for special occasions or an indulgent weekend meal. These tender, juicy hens are roasted to golden perfection and basted in a luscious glaze made from sweet-tangy pomegranate juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar, infused with the warmth of garlic and fresh rosemary. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that's as eye-catching as it is delicious. Finished with a garnish of vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, these hens deliver both elegance and rich, complex flavors. Ready to impress in just 1 hour and 20 minutes, this recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or wild rice for a meal that's both sophisticated and comforting. Perfect for keyword searches like "pomegranate glazed game hens," "holiday Cornish hen recipes," and "elegant roasted poultry recipes."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Cornish game hens
- 1.5 cups Pomegranate juice
- 0.25 cups Honey
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cups Pomegranate seeds (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or skin. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck in the wing tips.
In a small saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture thickens into a glaze-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
Rub the hens all over with olive oil, then season inside and out with salt, black pepper, and the chopped rosemary.
Place the hens on a roasting rack set inside a baking dish or roasting pan. Brush the hens generously with the pomegranate glaze, reserving some glaze for basting.
Roast the Cornish game hens in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze every 15-20 minutes. The hens are done when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
If desired, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to achieve a more caramelized skin, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or wild rice pilaf.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4771 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 249.3 g | 320% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.5 g | 322% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1600 mg | 533% | |
| Sodium | 5011 mg | 218% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 129.7 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 119.7 g | ||
| Protein | 462.9 g | 926% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 377 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 26.6 mg | 148% | |
| Potassium | 5070 mg | 108% | |
*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.
