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Sabrina Hermes

Cider-Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen: A Must-Try Recipe!

A delicious recipe for Cider-Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen, perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cornish hens about 1.5 pounds each
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 apple quartered
  • 1 onion quartered
  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, maple syrup, melted butter, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cinnamon.
  3. Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a roasting pan, breast side up.
  4. Pour half of the cider-maple mixture over the hens, making sure to coat them evenly. Reserve the other half for basting.
  5. Stuff the cavity of each hen with the quartered apple and onion.
  6. Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the hens with the reserved cider-maple mixture every 30 minutes.
  7. Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1henCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cider-maple mixture.
  • You can also substitute the apple with pears for a different twist.

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