Cornish Hen with Tart Cherry Sauce Recipe

Name: Cornish Hen with Tart Cherry Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/8 teaspoon paprika; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 Cornish game hens; 1/2 cup white wine; 1 (15 ounce) can tart cherries, drained; 1 1/2 cups red wine; 1/4 cup pulp-free orange juice; 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed

Servings: persons

1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/8 teaspoon paprika
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 Cornish game hens
1/2 cup white wine
1 (15 ounce) can tart cherries, drained
1 1/2 cups red wine
1/4 cup pulp-free orange juice
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed

1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Combine sea salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, and paprika in a bowl.
3
Place hens on a baking sheet and evenly brush with 5 tablespoons butter.
4
Rub hens with spice mixture.
5
Bake hens in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 1/2 hours, basting every 1/2 hour with white wine.
6
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).
7
Mix cherries, red wine, orange juice, and brown sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
8
Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, and cook until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted, about 10 minutes.
9
Sprinkle flour into the sauce; whisk until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
10
Drizzle cherry sauce over cooked hens.

256

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.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

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 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and more.

Yes, Cornish Hen with Tart Cherry Sauce falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cornish Hen with Tart Cherry Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions