Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen is a delightful dish that pairs tender, juicy poultry with a sweet and tangy glaze made from apple cider and maple syrup. The roast gets a beautiful caramelized finish in the oven, filling the kitchen with wonderful aromas that hint at the cozy meal ahead. The Cornish hen itself is perfectly small but packed with flavor, making it a great choice for an individual serving that feels special.
I love how this recipe is both simple and fancy at the same time. The cider and maple syrup add just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the natural taste of the hen. I usually let the glaze soak in a bit before roasting, which helps the flavors really sink in, and the skin gets crispy and delicious. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive, but is honestly easy to pull off on a weeknight or for guests.
When I serve this, I like to add some roasted veggies on the side, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, to soak up any extra sauce. It feels like a full meal, warm and inviting, perfect for cooler evenings. The first time I made this, it quickly became a favorite around the table because of its sweet and comforting taste, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
Editor-picked tees our Oven To Fork readers love.
We may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornish hens: These small birds cook quickly and stay tender. If unavailable, use small chickens or Cornish game hens. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Apple cider & maple syrup: Apple cider adds tangy fruitiness, while maple syrup brings natural sweetness. If out of cider, try apple juice or white grape juice with a splash of vinegar. Honey works well instead of maple syrup.
Fresh herbs: Rosemary and thyme are classic partners here. Using dried herbs is fine, but fresh ones boost flavor and aroma. If fresh isn’t available, double the amount of dried herbs.
Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes roast well alongside the hens. You can swap for baby Yukon Gold, fingerlings, or even sweet potatoes for a different twist.
How Do I Get Crispy, Flavorful Skin on My Roasted Cornish Hen?
Getting that golden, crispy skin means setting up a few helpful steps:
- Pat the hens dry thoroughly before applying glaze. Moisture slows crisping.
- Coat the hens evenly with the cider-maple glaze to add flavor and encourage caramelization.
- Use a roasting pan or baking dish that allows heat circulation. Don’t crowd the hens.
- Roast at 375°F for about an hour, basting every 15 minutes with pan juices to keep skin moist and promote browning.
- Let hens rest after roasting. This helps juices settle and skin stay crispy.
These simple steps guarantee you a juicy bird with beautifully crisp, flavorful skin every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan or oven-safe baking dish – perfect for cooking the hens and potatoes together evenly.
- Meat thermometer – helps you check the hen’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Pastry brush or spoon – great for spreading the cider-maple glaze all over the hens.
- Tongs – useful for turning the hens gently while basting without tearing the skin.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for prepping potatoes and slicing onions.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap fresh rosemary and thyme for sage and parsley for a different herb aroma that pairs nicely with poultry.
- Add diced apples or pears around the hens to roast; their sweetness complements the maple glaze well.
- Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the glaze for cozy fall spice notes.
- Replace potatoes with roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a colorful veggie mix that soaks up the sauce.
How to Make Cider Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens, about 1 to 1½ pounds each
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound small potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50 to 60 minutes to roast the hens until golden and juicy. Plus, an additional 10 minutes for resting before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Glaze:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider, maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade and glaze.
2. Prepare the Cornish Hens:
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the hens in a roasting pan or oven-safe baking dish. Pour the cider-maple glaze all over the hens so they are nicely coated. Place the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs inside the cavity of each hen, and scatter any remaining herbs in the pan.
3. Add Potatoes and Roast:
Add the halved potatoes and optional sliced onions around the hens in the pan. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the potatoes and season them with salt and pepper. Roast everything in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Every 15 minutes or so, baste the hens with the pan juices to keep them moist and help form a beautiful caramelized skin.
4. Rest and Serve:
When the hens are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the pan from the oven. Let the hens rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Before serving, garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for a lovely touch. Serve the hens alongside the roasted potatoes, spooning some pan juices over everything for extra flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Cornish Hens for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Cornish hens, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even roasting and safer handling.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and season the hens a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge until ready to roast for deeper flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roasted Cornish hen and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or pan juices to keep it moist.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or steamed greens to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the cider maple glaze.
