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Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen

A delightful dish featuring Cornish hens coated in a sweet and savory glaze of apple cider and maple syrup, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces Cornish Hens (1-2 lbs each) Use fresh hens for optimal flavor.
  • 1 cup unfiltered apple cider High-quality cider will enhance the taste.
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup Ensure it's pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme Can substitute with rosemary or sage.
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed Add more or less to taste.
  • to taste teaspoon Salt Use more if desired.
  • to taste teaspoon Pepper Use fresh ground black pepper for better flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For greasing the baking dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the hens generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, maple syrup, smashed garlic, and thyme until combined.
  5. Place the hens in a baking dish, breast side up, and pour half of the sauce over them.
Cooking
  1. Roast in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour, basting every 15 minutes with the remaining sauce.
  2. Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  3. Once cooked, let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Consider adding cranberry sauce or apple slices for a festive touch.