Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine crispy skin, tender meat, and a sweet yet savory glaze that dances on your tongue. savory side dish option This dish is perfect for impressing guests or making an ordinary weeknight feel special.
Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon, and the aroma of Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen wafts through your home, drawing everyone to the kitchen. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings loved ones together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen combines simplicity with an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing
- Preparing it is a breeze, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor
- Its golden-brown appearance makes for an impressive centerpiece, while its sweet and savory notes cater to various palates
- Ideal for holiday gatherings or intimate dinners, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again
There was that one Thanksgiving when I served this dish instead of turkey, and let’s just say my family has never let me forget it. They were so impressed they almost forgot about Uncle Bob’s infamous fruitcake!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cornish Hens: Opt for fresh hens weighing about 1-2 pounds each for the best texture. fresh salad pairing.
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Apple Cider: Choose a high-quality cider; it adds sweetness and depth to the glaze.
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Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for an authentic flavor; avoid imitation syrups.
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Dijon Mustard: This gives a tangy kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps achieve that crispy skin we all crave.
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Fresh Thyme: Use fresh thyme sprigs for their aromatic qualities; dried thyme works in a pinch.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential staples to enhance all the flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. unique vegetarian appetizer.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, grab your trusty baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to keep things easy-peasy.
Prepare your Cornish hens by rinsing them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step ensures that they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped thyme until well combined. The mixture should smell heavenly!
Now comes the fun part! Place the hens breast-side up in your baking dish and pour half of that glorious cider-maple mixture over them. Make sure they’re well coated; you want every bite infused with flavor.
Roast those beauties in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. Halfway through cooking, baste them with the remaining glaze to enhance their flavor and color.
Once they reach a golden brown perfection (and your kitchen smells like heaven), let them rest for 10 minutes before carving. This step allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Serve your Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen alongside roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen is not just delicious; it’s a showstopper for any dinner party
- The sweet and savory flavors blend perfectly, creating a dish that’s both rustic and refined
- Plus, your kitchen will smell heavenly while it roasts!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the Cornish hen overnight for maximum flavor. Then, sear it briefly before roasting to lock in moisture and enhance texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cider for white wine or add herbs like rosemary for extra depth. A touch of garlic can elevate the flavor profile even more!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cornish hen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to retain juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy Cornish hen, always allow it to rest before carving
- This ensures that all those delicious juices stay locked inside
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is your golden ticket!
- And don’t forget to baste with pan juices for extra flavor
Cooking this dish reminds me of a family gathering where everyone raved about how tender and flavorful the hen was, making me feel like a culinary superstar.
FAQ
What sides pair well with Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen?
Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes complement this dish beautifully. creamy potato gratin recipe. For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegetable soup recipe.
Can I use regular chicken instead of Cornish hen?
For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking times since larger chickens may require longer roasting.
How do I know when my Cornish hen is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen is a delightful dish that transforms any meal into a special occasion. With its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, this recipe features a delectable glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your guests and warm your heart.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens (1–2 lbs each)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Rinse and pat the Cornish hens dry.
- In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped thyme.
- Place the hens breast-side up in the baking dish and pour half of the glaze over them.
- Roast for 45-50 minutes, basting with remaining glaze halfway through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 Cornish hen (about 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 100mg