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Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 129 reviews

This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe offers a delightful combination of tender, juicy Cornish hens infused with the sweet and fruity flavors of apple cider and pure maple syrup. Roasting the hens in the oven with fresh thyme, olive oil, and aromatic seasoning results in a crispy golden skin and a caramelized, savory-sweet finish. Optional sliced apples and onions roast alongside, adding extra flavor and a beautiful presentation perfect for a cozy family meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornish Hens

  • 4 Cornish hens (about 1–1.5 pounds each)

Marinade and Seasoning

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Roasting Add-ins

  • Sliced apples (to taste)
  • Sliced onions (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the Cornish hens evenly and gently.
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the apple cider, pure maple syrup, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed to create a flavorful glaze for the hens.
  3. Marinate the Hens: Place the Cornish hens in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the marinade over the hens, making sure they are evenly coated. If time allows, let them marinate for 30 minutes to an hour to absorb more flavor.
  4. Arrange Optional Add-ins: Add sliced apples and onions around the hens in the roasting pan. These will cook along with the hens, absorbing the sweet and savory juices and adding complementary flavors.
  5. Roast the Hens: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the hens for about 50-60 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices to enhance flavor and moisture. The skin should be golden and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moister meat.
  7. Serve: Serve the roasted Cornish hens alongside the caramelized apples and onions for a complete meal bursting with sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors.

Notes

  • Marinating the hens for longer (up to overnight) will deepen the flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens are perfectly cooked without drying out.
  • Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or sage if preferred.
  • Apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for roasting alongside the hens.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.

Keywords: Cornish hen, roasted Cornish hen, apple cider, maple syrup, oven roasted chicken, fall recipes, maple roasted poultry

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/cider-maple-oven-roasted-cornish-hen-recipe/