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Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish

Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish: A Cozy Fall Feast

This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish hen recipe combines apple cider and maple syrup for a cozy fall meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hens
  • 2 hens Cornish Hens Tender and flavorful; can substitute with a whole chicken.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can replace with melted butter for richer flavor.
  • to taste Sea Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Fresh Cracked Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Veggies
  • 4 cups Yellow Dutch Potatoes Can substitute with red or sweet potatoes.
  • 1 Onion Quartered; can use shallots for milder flavor.
  • 2 cups Sliced Mushrooms Can replace with bell peppers.
  • 1 cup Sliced Apple Can substitute with pears.
For the Basting Sauce
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Opt for fresh cider for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup Can substitute with honey.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch or Flour Arrowroot serves as a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Can substitute with dried thyme.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • roasting pan
  • small pot
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried thyme, rosemary, dried parsley, sea salt, onion powder, garlic salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
  3. Clean the Cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. Rub the seasoning mix generously all over the surfaces of the Cornish hens.
  5. Line a roasting pan with quartered yellow Dutch potatoes and onion wedges, tucking in sprigs of fresh thyme.
  6. Nestle the seasoned Cornish hens on top of the vegetables and drizzle with olive oil.
  7. Roast the Cornish hens uncovered for 20 minutes.
  8. While the hens roast, combine apple cider and pure maple syrup in a small pot and bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened.
  9. After 20 minutes, drizzle the basting sauce over the hens and add sliced mushrooms and apple around them.
  10. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of roasting to allow the skin to caramelize.
  12. Drizzle any remaining basting sauce over the hens before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, allow hens to marinate with seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

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