Forget the traditional turkey this Thanksgiving. Try my Coca-Cola glazed cornish hens instead! They are made in just one hour so you can spend more time with the ones you love.

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Two Coca-Cola Glazed Cornish Hens served on a silver platter with rice and orange wedges and two coke bottles next to it

Thanksgiving is almost here, and I cannot wait! Each year, my family heads down to Mississippi to hang with my grandparents, and the entire time couldn’t be more fun. When we arrive, I instantly feel so grateful for my family and the moments we share together. This Thanksgiving, I’m excited to switch it up with this Glazed Cornish Hens recipe.

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients

Cornish Hens: These petite birds are perfect for a fancy dinner
Coca-Cola: This fizzy favorite is perfect for creating a sticky, sweet glaze
Light Brown Sugar: It’s packing a molasses punch that’ll caramelize beautifully
Apple Cider Vinegar: A little tang for your twang
Fresh Orange Juice: Squeeze in some citrus sunshine for a glaze

How to Make Glazed Cornish Hens

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Rinse each cornish hen in cold water and dry with paper towels.
Add cornish hens to a skillet or deep pan for roasting.
Sprinkle the skin of the hens with salt and pepper to taste.
Roast for 45 minutes.
While hens roast, create the glaze. In a medium sized pan or pot, whisk together Coca-Cola, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice and bring to boil over high heat.
Turn heat down to medium and continue to cook until glaze has reduced and is thick and sticky.
Remove hens from oven and brush half of glaze equally over each hen.
Bake for 10 minutes then repeat with remaining glaze on hens.
Bake for 15 more minutes or until hens are completely cooked through. If you would like, turn the oven to broil to further brown the tops of the hens.
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Close up of a Coca-Cola Glazed Cornish Hen sitting on top of a bed of cooked rice and orange wedges

How to Serve

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy and smooth texture of mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic pairs perfectly with the savory glaze of the Cornish hens.
Rice: Opt for a wild rice pilaf, a jollof rice or even a rice and peas to add a rustic and hearty element to the plate.
Green Beans: Whether Southern Green Beans or a Green Bean Casserole, this brings fresh and nutty flavor contrast to the rich glaze.
Glazed Carrots: A side of carrots glazed with honey and butter can echo the glaze on the hens, creating a thematic harmony in the meal.

How to Store

To keep your Glazed Cornish Hens delicious for later, let them cool completely before wrapping them snugly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the deepest part of the refrigerator for up to three days. For extended keeping, freeze the hens in airtight containers or freezer bags, and they’ll be good for a couple of months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating to maintain that succulent goodness!

If you want to enjoy more Coca-Cola ideas for Thanksgiving, make sure you check out their Pinterest page that is not only filled with delicious holiday recipes but fantastic crafts as well!

Check out some of my other great Coca-Cola flavored recipes below!