Why Make This Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen – theamazingfood
If you’re looking for an elegant yet effortless dish to impress your family or guests, the Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen is the perfect choice. This recipe brings together the succulent flavors of fresh herbs and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, creating an exquisitely balanced meal that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Utilizing only a handful of ingredients, this dish is manageable for cooks of all levels, making it an ideal option for special occasions or family dinners. The aroma of roasting hens paired with the aroma of savory herbs and sweet maple will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table.
How to Make Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen – theamazingfood
Making the Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen is surprisingly straightforward and requires minimal prep time. Start by preheating your oven and preparing the Cornish hens by seasoning them generously. The sweet maple glaze will enhance the traditional roasting process, while the vegetables will soak up all the flavorful juices, making each bite a delightful experience. The entire cooking process usually takes about an hour, leaving you free to prepare side dishes or enjoy some downtime while your meal cooks to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 cornish hens
- 3 to 4 large yellow potatoes, cut into quarters
- 1/2 to 1/3 yellow onion, cut into quarters
- 6 sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 large apple, sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus 1 tbsp for vegetables)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- Fresh parsley and extra thyme leaves, for garnish
- Additional coarse sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, as needed
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or 4 tbsp flour, for thickening
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, coarse sea salt, onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the hens, ensuring the seasoning gets inside the cavities for maximum flavor.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, onion, mushrooms, and apple slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the vegetables around the hens in the roasting pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the apple cider and maple syrup, then pour it into the pan over the hens and vegetables.
- Place the fresh thyme sprigs on top of the hens and cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting the hens occasionally with the pan juices, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch or flour with a bit of cold water and stir it into the pan juices before serving.
- Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional thyme leaves.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 620
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 710mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 53g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 38g
How to Serve Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen – theamazingfood
To serve, present each Cornish hen on a plate alongside the sweet apple slices and roasted vegetables. Drizzle some of the delicious maple glaze from the pan over the hens for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of cranberry sauce to bring out the sweetness of the glaze. Additionally, consider pairing it with a light white wine, such as Chardonnay, for an elegant touch.
How to Store Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen – theamazingfood
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain flavor and freshness. Place the cooled cornish hen in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the hen in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen – theamazingfood
- Pat the hens dry with paper towels to ensure the skin becomes crispy during roasting.
- For deeper flavors, let the hens marinate in the spice rub for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for unique flavor twists.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Maple Glaze: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Version: Substitute apple cider with orange juice and add a few slices of orange to the pan for a refreshing twist.
- Vegetable Medley: Swap potatoes and apples for seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of hens?
A: Yes, you can substitute Cornish hens with smaller chickens, but be mindful that cooking times may vary.
Q: How long will cooked Cornish hen last in the fridge?
A: The cooked Cornish hen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can season the hens and prepare the vegetables a day ahead. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
Conclusion
In summary, the Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that makes any meal feel special. With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, this dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the mouthwatering tastes for yourself. Gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and let the sweet aroma of maple glaze and herbs take over your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hen
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, coarse sea salt, onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the hens, ensuring the seasoning gets inside the cavities for maximum flavor.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, onion, mushrooms, and apple slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the vegetables around the hens in the roasting pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the apple cider and maple syrup, then pour it into the pan over the hens and vegetables.
- Place the fresh thyme sprigs on top of the hens and cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes, basting the hens occasionally with the pan juices, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch or flour with a bit of cold water and stir it into the pan juices before serving.
- Let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional thyme leaves.