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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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.
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.
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!
Coca-Cola Glazed Cornish Hens
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I’ll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Ingredients
- 2 cornish hens
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Sliced oranges and thyme for garnish
- Wild rice for serving
Instructions
- 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 then serve with wild rice and garnish plates with orange slices and thyme.
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Ever tried this glaze on a thanksgiving turkey? Looking for ideas for thursday 🙂
I haven’t but it would be absolutely amazing I think.
I have been searching google for what seems forever to find a good glazed Cornish Game Hen recipe. I am so glad kept looking and found your’s. I can’t wait until Christmas so I can make this. I am doubling the recipe so I can make 4 hens
Hooray let me know how it turns out!
I made this today and we liked it because it was different. I did find that the sauce was thin but I continued to low boil it for about an hour and it started thickening. When I basted it on the hen the remaining sauce thickened in the pan in the oven. It was a little sweet but otherwise good.
I tried this recipe for my Christmas dinner and although my glaze was a little too thin (which was my fault), it was fantastic! I’m going to make it again soon and this time be a little more patient with the glaze. My hens had a beautiful color and everything looked perfect! I can’t wait to try some more recipes.
Wonderful!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Yes, next time let it thicken a bit more and it will be even more delicious!
The cola and other stuff never did thicken or get sticky !!! What did i did I do wrong ???
Hi Kay, I’m sorry you had trouble with the glaze. What was the consistency?
I love drinking Coke and cooking with it too! These cornish hens look amazing!
I love the sound of this meal and Cocoa Cola is the best thing ever!
Love the coca-cola glaze on these Cornish hens, and LOVE the idea of having more time so spend with family! That is just EVERYTHING right now!
Just when I was getting used to soda in my pound cake thanks to you, you throw me this curve ball. Coke on my chicken? I can’t wait to try this! And I’ve always done Cornish hens for mr j and I since he always works thanksgiving and we have to eat on our own. I know how I’m changing up those hens this year.