Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe! With its combination of sweet apple cider, rich maple syrup, and aromatic thyme, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The sweet and savory combination of apple cider and maple syrup creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this dish ready to go in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking and can easily be reheated for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cornish hens: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat.
- Apple cider: Adds a sweet, fruity flavor that complements the maple.
- Pure maple syrup: For that rich sweetness and caramelization during roasting.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that crispy, golden skin.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Provides an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the hens.
- Optional: Sliced apples and onions for roasting alongside the hens.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven and prepare the hens by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Mix together the apple cider, maple syrup, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the hens and add the optional sliced apples and onions.
- Roast in the oven until the hens are cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, baste the hens with the pan juices during cooking.
- Make sure to let the hens rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a more caramelized finish, broil the hens for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
- To ensure even cooking, truss the hens before roasting.
- For a smoky flavor, try using a smoker instead of the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider for the perfect meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of Cornish hens? Yes, you can substitute chicken in this recipe, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the hens up to a day in advance and roast them when ready to serve.
- How can I make this dish more kid-friendly? Try serving the hens with a side of honey mustard dipping sauce for a kid-approved twist.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making this delicious Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re looking for a special meal for a dinner party or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe combines the sweetness of apple cider and maple syrup with the tenderness of Cornish hens, creating a flavorful and juicy dish that is perfect for a special dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 Cornish hens (about 1–1.5 pounds each)
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sliced apples and onions for roasting alongside the hens
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the hens: Season the Cornish hens with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place them in a roasting pan.
- Mix the cider and maple syrup: In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider and maple syrup. Pour over the hens.
- Roast the hens: Roast the hens in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, basting occasionally with the cider mixture.
- Optional: Add sliced apples and onions around the hens during the last 30 minutes of roasting for added flavor.
- Serve: Once the hens are cooked through and golden brown, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the hens to ensure they are fully cooked.
- You can drizzle any leftover cider-maple mixture over the hens before serving for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: (calories will vary based on serving size)
- Sugar: (sugar content will vary based on serving size)
- Sodium: (sodium content will vary based on serving size)
- Fat: (fat content will vary based on serving size)
- Saturated Fat: (saturated fat content will vary based on serving size)
- Unsaturated Fat: (unsaturated fat content will vary based on serving size)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: (carbohydrate content will vary based on serving size)
- Fiber: (fiber content will vary based on serving size)
- Protein: (protein content will vary based on serving size)
- Cholesterol: (cholesterol content will vary based on serving size)