Zesty Cranberry BBQ Cornish Hens

For Cornish hens:

• 2 (1.5 pound) Cornish hens
• 1.5 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper, divided
• ½ fresh lemon, quartered
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 5 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ pound small fingerling potatoes
• ½ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

For cranberry BBQ sauce:

• 1 (12 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried mustard

For Cornish hens:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and prepare a seasoned 12-inch cast iron skillet. If a cast iron pan isn’t available, a 9×13-inch casserole dish will work just as well.
2. Begin by preparing your Cornish hens. Carefully remove any giblets from the cavity. Then, using paper towels, thoroughly pat the hens dry. This critical step ensures that the seasoning adheres properly and promotes crispy skin during roasting.
3. Season the entire exterior of the Cornish hens generously with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. For added flavor, stuff the cavity of each hen with 2 lemon quarters, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Don’t worry about perfection, just ensure the aromatics fit snugly inside.
4. Carefully place the seasoned hens into your prepared skillet.
5. In a small bowl, combine the fingerling potatoes. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mince the leaves from the remaining sprig of rosemary and add them to the potatoes. Toss everything together thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated.
6. Arrange the seasoned potatoes around the Cornish hens in the skillet, ensuring they are distributed in a single layer for even roasting.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for an initial 30 minutes.
8. While the hens and potatoes are roasting, add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the same bowl you used for the potatoes.
9. Drizzle the sprouts with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure an even coating of seasoning.
10. After the initial 30 minutes of roasting, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Add the seasoned Brussels sprouts to the pan, arranging them around the Cornish hens and mixing them gently with the potatoes.
11. Generously glaze the Cornish hens with the prepared homemade cranberry BBQ sauce. Use a brush to ensure an even and thorough coating over each hen.
12. Return the skillet to the oven and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, the potatoes are soft and cooked through, and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 C) in the thickest part of the thigh (it will rise to 165F/74C after resting).
13. Remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the hens to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve immediately with any leftover cranberry BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
14. Important Note on Cooking Time: If you’ve opted for larger Cornish hens, you will need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Roast the hens for a longer initial period (e.g., 40-50 minutes) before adding the Brussels sprouts, to prevent the vegetables from overcooking and becoming mushy. Always ensure the internal temperature of the hens reaches 165 degrees F (74 C).

For cranberry BBQ sauce:

1. Add all cranberry BBQ sauce ingredients (whole berry cranberry sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, and dried mustard) to a blender. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
2. Pour the blended sauce into a 10-inch skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process is crucial as it helps the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious sauce.

Nutrition