Go Back
–+ servings
Cider Maple Oven Roasted

Cider Maple Oven Roasted Magic for Your Fall Feast

This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe is a delightful centerpiece for your fall feast, marrying sweet apple cider and savory herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hen
  • 2 Cornish Hens Cornish Hens The star protein; perfect for small gatherings.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Use melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • to taste Sea Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
For the Roasting Vegetables
  • 1 pound Yellow Dutch Potatoes Can substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Adds a hint of sweetness.
  • 8 ounces Mushrooms Any edible variety like cremini or button.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Sweetness and moisture; can swap with apple juice.
  • 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup Caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or Flour Thickening agent for the basting sauce.
For Flavoring
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme Imparts aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Boosts overall flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
For Freshness
  • 1 Apple Apple Any variety like Granny Smith or sweeter types.

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • mixing bowl
  • saucepan

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and create a seasoning mix with garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic salt, sea salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
  2. Remove giblets from the Cornish hens, pat dry, and rub the seasoning mix all over the hens, coating evenly.
  3. Line a roasting pan with quartered yellow onions and yellow Dutch potatoes; place the seasoned hens on top and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes to begin crisping the skin.
  5. Combine apple cider and pure maple syrup in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to create the basting sauce.
  6. After initial roasting, drizzle the cider mixture over the hens, add sliced apples and mushrooms around them, cover with foil, and roast for another 20 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and roast uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until skin is caramelized and crispy.
  8. Drizzle remaining sauce over the hens, garnish with fresh herbs, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Monitor the internal temperature of Cornish hens to reach 165°F for optimal moisture. Broiling can enhance crispy skin, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!