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Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe

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This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe features juicy, tender hens roasted to perfection with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, accented by a sweet and tangy apple cider and maple syrup glaze. Paired with hearty yellow potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and apple slices, this comforting dish combines rustic fall flavors with a beautifully caramelized finish.

Ingredients

Cornish Hens and Seasoning

  • 2 Cornish Hens
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 3-4 large yellow Dutch potatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 to 1/3 yellow onion, quartered
  • 6 sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 large apple, sliced (plus extra slices if desired for garnish)

Glaze and Cooking Liquids

  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divide as 1 Tbsp per hen and 1 Tbsp for vegetables)
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus more thyme leaves for topping
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch or 4 Tbsp flour (for thickening the cider glaze)
  • Additional sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley and fresh thyme for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for roasting the Cornish hens.
  2. Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried thyme leaves, crushed dried rosemary, dried parsley, coarse sea salt, onion powder, garlic salt, and fresh cracked pepper. This blend will season the hens beautifully.
  3. Prep the Cornish Hens: If your hens include giblets, remove and discard them. Pat the hens dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each hen. Cover lightly and let them rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Prepare Vegetables: Quarter the yellow Dutch potatoes and yellow onion. Layer them at the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish, along with two sprigs of fresh thyme. This base not only flavors the hens but prevents sticking.
  5. Assemble for Roasting: Place the seasoned hens on top of the vegetable bed. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the hens and vegetables, using one tablespoon per bird and one for the veggies. Keep the roasting pan uncovered and place it in the preheated oven.
  6. First Roasting Phase: Roast the hens uncovered for 20 minutes to begin browning the skin and cooking the meat through initial heat.
  7. Prepare Cider Maple Glaze: While the hens roast, combine apple cider and pure maple syrup in a saucepan over medium stove heat. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch (or flour) gradually to dissolve and thicken the mixture. Keep the sauce warm on low heat until the hens are ready for the next phase.
  8. Apply Glaze and Add Fruits: After the initial 20 minutes of roasting, remove the hens from the oven. Drizzle about ½ cup of the hot cider glaze over each hen. Add sliced mushrooms and apple slices around the hens. Lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and return to the oven.
  9. Second Roasting Phase: Roast covered for another 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld, the glaze to infuse the hens, and the vegetables and fruits to cook perfectly.
  10. Final Browning: Remove the foil and continue roasting uncovered for 5 additional minutes to caramelize the glaze. For extra crispy skin, broil the hens for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Finish and Garnish: Remove the hens from the oven. Drizzle any remaining cider glaze over them. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, chopped fresh parsley, and additional sea salt and cracked pepper to taste for a bright finish.
  12. Optional Gravy: To make gravy, combine the drippings left in the pan with the remaining cider glaze in a saucepan over low heat. Slowly whisk in 1 to 3 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to reach desired thickness (1½ tablespoons recommended). Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm alongside the hens.

Notes

  • Ensure hens are fully thawed before cooking for even roasting.
  • Remove giblets prior to cooking to prevent bitterness.
  • Adjust maple syrup quantity based on preferred sweetness of glaze.
  • Use fresh herbs when possible for enhanced aroma and flavor.
  • Watch broiler closely to avoid burning the skin during crisping.
  • Reserve some apple slices to add fresh garnish after cooking if desired.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Find it online: https://alinacooks.com/cider-maple-oven-roasted-cornish-hen-recipe/