Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe features tender, juicy Cornish hens roasted to perfection with a sweet and aromatic blend of apple cider, maple syrup, fresh thyme, and olive oil. The hens develop a beautiful caramelized skin and are complemented by optional roasted apples and onions, making this dish an elegant yet simple meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cornish Hens
- 4 Cornish hens (about 1–1.5 pounds each)
Marinade & 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
- Sliced apples (for roasting alongside hens)
- Sliced onions (for roasting alongside hens)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Cornish hens.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine apple cider, pure maple syrup, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Hens: Place the Cornish hens in a large dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Prepare Hens for Roasting: Remove hens from marinade and place them in a roasting pan. Optionally, scatter sliced apples and onions around the hens for added flavor and aroma.
- Roast: Roast the hens uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and their skin is golden brown and caramelized. Baste occasionally with the marinade or pan juices to keep the hens moist and enhance flavor.
- Rest: Remove hens from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and the meat to remain tender.
- Serve: Serve the roasted Cornish hens with the roasted apples and onions or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating the hens for longer enhances flavor and tenderness but is optional.
- Ensure the internal temperature of hens reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is not available, using about 1 teaspoon instead.
- Using sliced apples and onions enhances the dish but can be omitted or replaced with other root vegetables.
- For crispier skin, avoid covering the hens while roasting.