Perfect Maple Oven Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe
Tender, juicy Cornish hens glazed with maple syrup and roasted to golden perfection, paired with the earthy tones of fresh rosemary and garlic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium-sized Cornish hens, about 1.5 pounds each
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the roasting pan in the oven to warm up slightly.
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
- Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl: combine maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Rub the hens with softened butter, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Stuff each hen with half a lemon and a sprig of rosemary. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired.
- Place the hens in the warmed roasting pan and brush them generously with the maple glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
- Roast the hens in the oven for 45-55 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze every 15 minutes. The skin should be golden and slightly caramelized.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
- Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
[‘Dry the hens thoroughly to achieve crispy skin.’, ‘Baste regularly to ensure the flavors of the glaze soak into the meat.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to avoid under- or over-cooking.’, ‘Let the hens rest after roasting to lock in the juices.’, ‘If the skin starts browning too quickly, cover the hens loosely with aluminum foil.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Half a hen per servi
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cornish hens, maple glaze, roasted chicken, holiday recipe, special occasion meal