Amazing Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe Delight

The aroma of roasted Cornish hen wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet notes of cider and maple, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. This Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe is not just dinner; it’s an experience that’ll have your taste buds dancing like nobody’s watching at a family reunion. braised short ribs Imagine golden, crisp skin giving way to juicy meat that bursts with flavor—this dish is the culinary equivalent of snuggling up in your favorite blanket on a chilly evening.

As you gather around the table with loved ones, this succulent Cornish hen will be the star of the show, stealing hearts and stomachs alike. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a random Tuesday that needs a sprinkle of joy, this dish promises to elevate any occasion. The anticipation builds as you slice into the perfectly glazed bird, revealing tender meat infused with the essence of sweet and tangy goodness. So grab your apron and prepare for flavor fireworks!

Ingredients for Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe: For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe.

• 2 Cornish Hens: Look for plump birds weighing about 1-1.5 pounds each; they should feel firm to the touch.
• 1 cup Apple Cider: Opt for fresh apple cider if possible; it adds rich flavor and moisture.
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup for an authentic taste; no pancake impostors here!
• 4 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will give your dish a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken. lemon garlic sea bass.
• Fresh Thyme: A handful of thyme sprigs adds aromatic earthiness; dried thyme works in a pinch but fresh is best!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in this mouthwatering dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking dish and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine apple cider and maple syrup. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, stirring until well mixed. This marinade is liquid gold!

Step 3: Season the Hens

Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. No one likes bland poultry!

Step 4: Marinate

Place the hens in your baking dish and pour half of the cider-maple mixture over them, making sure they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—if only we could marinate our worries away too.

Step 5: Roast

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and baste with remaining marinade before continuing to roast uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Once done, transfer your gorgeous hens onto serving plates! Drizzle some leftover glaze over each hen for that wow factor.

Now you’re ready to impress everyone at dinner! Remember to take pictures because this beauty deserves its Instagram moment! Enjoy every savory bite of your Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen while basking in culinary glory!

Perfecting Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe Cooking Process

Begin by marinating the Cornish hens in cider and maple syrup for at least an hour. While they soak up those delicious flavors, preheat your oven to 375°F. Sear the hens skin-side down in a hot skillet until golden brown, then transfer them to a roasting pan to finish cooking.

Add Your Touch to Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe

Feel free to swap out the cider for white wine or apple juice if you’re feeling adventurous. Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor, or toss in some seasonal veggies with your hens to create a one-pan wonder that will impress any dinner guest.

Storing & Reheating Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe

To store, wrap leftover Cornish hen tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain its juicy goodness.

Using a meat thermometer is key; ensure your hen reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked meat every time.

Letting the hen rest after cooking helps redistribute juices, resulting in meat that’s tender and flavorful instead of dry and sad.

Experiment with different marinades! Each variation brings out unique flavors that can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary with just a little creativity.

The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how juicy and flavorful the hens turned out—definitely earned me a few chef points!

FAQs About Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe

What is Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe?

The Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of cider and maple syrup to create a succulent and tender hen. This recipe typically involves marinating the Cornish hens in a mixture of apple cider, maple syrup, herbs, and spices before roasting them to golden perfection. Greek yogurt marinated chicken The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully during cooking, enhancing the overall taste. It’s perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners, offering a unique twist on traditional roasted chicken.

How long does it take to prepare Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen?

Preparing the Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen usually takes about 15-20 minutes for marinating and seasoning. After that, you’ll need approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for roasting in the oven. To ensure optimal flavor, it’s best to let the hens marinate for at least an hour or even overnight in the fridge. This way, you’ll infuse the meat with rich flavors from the cider and maple syrup, resulting in a delectable final dish.

What ingredients are needed for this recipe?

To make the Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe, you will need several key ingredients. These include two whole Cornish hens, apple cider, pure maple syrup, olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. garlic butter zucchini skewers Optional ingredients like lemon slices and onion can enhance flavor further. Each component contributes to creating a balanced sweet and savory profile that elevates your dish.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe?

Yes! You can certainly substitute ingredients in the Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe based on availability or dietary preferences. For instance, if you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can use white wine or chicken broth as alternatives. Similarly, honey can replace maple syrup if you’re looking for a different sweetness level. Feel free to experiment with herbs too; rosemary or sage would work well alongside thyme for variation.

Conclusion for Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe

In conclusion, the Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen recipe offers an irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors that creates an impressive dish for any occasion. With simple ingredients like apple cider and maple syrup, you can achieve a delicious result that delights everyone at your table. Remember to allow enough marinating time for maximum flavor infusion. Enjoy preparing this delightful dish that is sure to become a favorite! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.

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Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen

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• Author: Avery Michelle Stone
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2 (two Cornish hens) 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen is a delightful dish that combines the rich sweetness of apple cider and maple syrup with tender, juicy hens. Perfectly roasted to crispy perfection, this recipe creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, you’ll impress your guests with a meal that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 Cornish hens (1.5 pounds each)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, maple syrup, minced garlic, and thyme.
3. Pat the hens dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place the hens in the baking dish and pour half the marinade over them; let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Cover with foil and roast for 45 minutes. Remove foil, baste with remaining marinade, and roast uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve the hens with drizzled glaze for added flavor.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 hen (227g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 120mg