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Cider Maple Oven Roasted

Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen for a Cozy Fall Feast

This Cider Maple Oven Roasted recipe combines flavors of apple cider and maple syrup for a festive, cozy dinner experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 hens
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cornish Hen
  • 2 pieces Cornish Hens A more delicate and flavorful alternative to regular chicken.
  • to taste Sea Salt
  • to taste Fresh Cracked Pepper
For the Vegetables
  • 4 cups Yellow Dutch Potatoes Provide a hearty base; swap for sweet potatoes for added sweetness.
  • 2 pieces Yellow Onion Adds depth of flavor; substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Sliced Mushrooms Add umami and texture; can substitute with any seasonal mushrooms.
  • 1 cup Sliced Apple Provides sweetness and fresh flavor; tart apples like Granny Smith are preferred.
For the Herb Mix and Basting
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Drizzling over the vegetables and hens.
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme An aromatic herb that enhances the dish's earthiness.
  • 1 cup Apple Cider The sweet, tart liquid that forms the base of the basting sauce.
  • 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup Offers sweetness and a caramelized crust.
For the Thickening Agent
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or Flour A thickening agent for the sauce; use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
For the Seasoning Rub
  • 1 tablespoon Seasoning Rub A blend of garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, coarse sea salt, onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper.

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • Saucepan
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine your seasoning rub ingredients and set aside.
  3. Remove giblets from the Cornish hens, pat them dry, and rub the seasoning mixture over each hen.
  4. Line the roasting pan with quartered yellow onions and Dutch potatoes, and scatter fresh thyme over the vegetables.
  5. Place the seasoned Cornish hens on top of the layer of vegetables and drizzle olive oil over the hens.
  6. Roast the hens uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  7. Combine apple cider and maple syrup in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and whisk in cornstarch or flour to thicken.
  8. Drizzle the cider and maple syrup mixture over the hens and add sliced mushrooms and apple pieces.
  9. Cover the pan with foil and return to the oven to bake for another 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes for crispy skin.
  11. Let the hens rest, drizzle remaining sauce over them, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure Cornish hens are patted dry before seasoning for crispy skin. Adjust herbs and spices in your rub to suit your taste preferences.

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