Braised Cornish Hen with Apricots and Dates Recipe

Name: Braised Cornish Hen with Apricots and Dates
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 Rock Cornish Hen, fresh about 1216 ounces each; 1/2 cup dried apricots; 1/2 cup pitted dates; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup orange liqueur; Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup); 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 cup roasted chicken stock; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; Olive oil, for brushing birds

Servings: persons

4 Rock Cornish Hen, fresh about 1216 ounces each
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup pitted dates
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup orange liqueur
Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup roasted chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried thyme
Olive oil, for brushing birds

1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2
Rehydrate the apricots by covering them with boiling water and steeping them for 10 minutes before draining and slicing into quarters.
3
Pit and roughly chop the dates, mix them with the apricots, and set aside.
4
Combine the sugar with all of the liquid ingredients.
5
Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes, then set aside.
6
Season the Cornish Hens, inside and out, with salt and pepper.
7
Place 1 bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme inside each bird and close the body cavity by tieing with twine or with a skewer or toothpicks so that the bird holds its shape.
8
Brush the hens with olive oil, place them breast side down in a roasting pan, and roast for 20 minutes.
9
At the end of 20 minutes, pour off any excess fat from the pan turn the birds breast side up and roast 20 minutes more.
10
At the end of this 20 minute roasting period, add the apricots, dates, and the liquid to the roasting pan, and braise the contents of the pan together for another 25 minutes.
11
Check the oven every so often to see that the liquid has not all evaporated.
12
If it has, add enough water to keep the bottom third of the hens moist.
13
At the end of the cooking time, allow the hens to rest 10 minutes before serving.
14
Place one hen on each dish and pour some of the apricot and date sauce over the top.

224

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 Rock Cornish Hen, fresh about 1216 ounces each, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup pitted dates, 2 tablespoons sugar, and more.

Yes, Braised Cornish Hen with Apricots and Dates falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Braised Cornish Hen with Apricots and Dates

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions