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Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen

A delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of roasted Cornish hen with sweet apple cider and maple syrup, perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces Cornish hens (about 1–1.5 pounds each)
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Can substitute with rosemary or oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
Optional Aromatics
  • Sliced apples Adds aromatic sweetness
  • Sliced onions Adds aromatic sweetness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and season them generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the apple cider, pure maple syrup, olive oil, and fresh thyme leaves.
  4. If using, arrange the sliced apples and onions in the bottom of a large roasting pan.
  5. Place the hens breast-side up on top of the apples and onions or directly in the pan. Brush the hens with the cider and maple glaze, pouring any remaining glaze around the hens.
Cooking
  1. Roast in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, brushing the hens every 15-20 minutes with additional glaze.
  2. Check for doneness when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
  3. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For crispier skin, allow hens to rest uncovered in the refrigerator after seasoning. You can also reduce maple syrup for a less sweet glaze or add balsamic vinegar for complexity.