Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe

Introduction

This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe offers a delicious and elegant meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of apple cider and maple syrup creates a sweet, savory glaze that complements tender hens and roasted vegetables beautifully. You’ll love the rich flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish Hens
• 3-4 large yellow Dutch potatoes, quartered
• 1/2 – 1/3 yellow onion, quartered
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus more leaves for topping
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch or 4 tbsp flour (for thickening the cider mix)
• 6 sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 large apple, sliced
• Fresh parsley and fresh thyme for topping
• Additional sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Seasoning rub:

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 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 cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine all seasoning rub ingredients and set aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Cornish hens by removing any giblets and patting them dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the hens, then lightly cover and set aside for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
3. Step 3: Line the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish with the quartered onions, potatoes, and two thyme sprigs. Place the hens on top of the vegetables, then drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil — one tablespoon for each hen and one for the vegetables.
4. Step 4: Roast uncovered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider and maple syrup. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch or flour until dissolved, and let simmer until the hens have roasted 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the hens from the oven and drizzle ½ cup of the cider mixture over each bird. Add the sliced mushrooms and apple on top of the vegetables. Lightly cover the pan with aluminum foil and return to the oven for another 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and roast for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze. For extra crispy skin, broil for 2-4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Remove the hens from the oven and drizzle with the remaining cider sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, parsley, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
9. Optional: To make a gravy, combine the pan drippings with the remaining cider sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in 1 to 3 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to thicken, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

• Use apple slices with a firm texture like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best flavor and appearance.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the cider sauce when simmering.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the maple syrup amount according to your taste.
• Try adding fresh sage or rosemary alongside the thyme for an herbal twist.

Storage

Store leftover roasted Cornish hens and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help retain crispness. The cider-maple glaze may thicken when chilled; warm it slightly before serving or reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of Cornish hens?

Yes, you can substitute small whole chickens or chicken pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger birds will take longer to roast.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the cider-maple sauce, and double-check that all other ingredients, like seasoning, don’t contain gluten.

Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews

This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe features tender and flavorful hens roasted with a sweet and tangy apple cider and pure maple syrup glaze. Accompanied by yellow Dutch potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and apples, this comforting dish is herb-infused with thyme and rosemary for an aromatic finish, perfect for an elegant yet simple meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cornish Hens and Vegetables

• 2 Cornish Hens
• 3–4 large yellow Dutch potatoes, quartered
• 1/2 – 1/3 yellow onion, quartered
• 6 sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 large apple, sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus more leaves for topping
• Fresh parsley and fresh thyme for topping
• Additional sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Seasoning Rub

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 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 cracked pepper

Cider Maple Glaze

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch or 4 Tbsp flour (for thickening the cider mix)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Seasoning: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, dried parsley, sea salt, onion powder, garlic salt, and fresh cracked pepper to create the seasoning rub.
2. Prep Cornish Hens: Remove giblets from the hens if present, then pat the hens dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mix evenly onto the hens. Lightly cover and let them sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
3. Arrange Vegetables and Hens: Line the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish with quartered onions, potatoes, and two sprigs of fresh thyme. Place the seasoned hens on top of the vegetables. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, distributing about one tablespoon per hen and one tablespoon for the vegetables.
4. First Roast: Roast the hens uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5. Prepare Cider Maple Glaze: While the hens roast, combine apple cider and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch or flour to thicken, dissolving completely. Continue simmering until the hens finish the first roasting stage.
6. Add Glaze, Mushrooms, and Apples: After 20 minutes, remove hens from the oven and drizzle about ½ cup of the cider glaze over each hen. Add the sliced mushrooms and apples around the hens. Lightly cover with foil and return to the oven for another 20 minutes.
7. Finish Roasting and Caramelize: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize. For extra crisp skin, broil the hens for 2 to 4 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Serve and Garnish: Remove the hens from the oven, drizzle with additional sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and parsley. Season with extra sea salt and cracked pepper to taste.
9. Optional Gravy: To make gravy, combine the drippings with the remaining cider glaze in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in 1 to 3 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch until dissolved and thickened to your liking, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

• For crispier skin, broil the hens carefully at the end of cooking, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
• Removing giblets before cooking is important for best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the thickening agent amount to achieve desired gravy consistency.
• Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance aroma and presentation.
• Reserve some apple slices to add freshness at the end of cooking if desired.

Keywords: Cornish hen, oven roasted, cider maple glaze, fall recipe, roasted potatoes, baked poultry, savory sweet glaze, apple cider syrup