slow cooker cornish hen recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
slow cooker cornish hen recipe
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The Best slow cooker cornish hen recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite slow cooker Cornish hen recipe! This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and for good reason – it’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for a special event, this recipe delivers. As a busy mom of two, I appreciate how quickly the slow cooker can do all the work while I’m busy with other tasks.

Plus, the end result is always tender, juicy, and full of that amazing gamey flavor that Cornish hens are known for. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread and a side salad for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. But what really sets this recipe apart is the fact that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as is, or add your own twist with herbs, spices, or even some sweet potatoes on the side. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – Cornish hens are lean protein sources that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

So whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or just a quick and easy meal solution, give this slow cooker Cornish hen recipe a try! The best part? It’s ready in just a few hours, so you can have it on the table in no time. I’ve always been fascinated by the history behind Cornish hens – did you know that they originated in Cornwall, England?

These small birds were prized for their rich flavor and tender texture, and were often served at special occasions like weddings and holidays. Today, you can find them on menus all over the world, but they’re still a beloved treat in many parts of Europe. As for me, I just love how easy they are to cook – simply season them up with some salt, pepper, and herbs, toss them in the slow cooker with some veggies and sauce, and let the magic happen. But back to why I love this recipe so much: it’s all about that magical combination of flavors and textures that come together when you cook a Cornish hen low and slow.

The meat is fall-apart tender, the skin is crispy and golden brown… it’s truly a culinary experience like no other. And don’t even get me started on the aromas wafting from the slow cooker – trust me when I say that your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible scent of roasting chicken that’ll make everyone’s mouth water. One more thing: if you’re worried about cooking time or have busy schedules like I do, don’t worry!

You can easily prep this recipe ahead of time by seasoning the hen in advance (even overnight) or prepping your veggies ahead of schedule. Just toss everything into the slow cooker come dinner time and let the machine do its magic.

Slow Cooker Cornish Hen

Slow Cooker Cornish Hen

4.6 from 1634 votes

Tender Cornish hens slow-cooked with herbs and aromatics until the meat falls off the bone. This hands-off recipe yields juicy, flavorful birds perfect for a cozy dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 15 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Hens

2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Slow Cooker

1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
2In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and garlic powder.
3Rub the olive oil all over the hens, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the skin, pressing lightly to adhere.
4Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5Pour in the chicken broth and white wine if using.
6Arrange the hens breast-side up on top of the onions, then tuck the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs around them.
7Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
8The meat should be very tender and pull away easily from the bone.
9For a crispy skin, preheat the broiler to high.
10Transfer the hens to a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the skin is golden and crisp.
11Serve hot with the cooking juices spooned over the top.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Small bowl
Tongs
Meat thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 50g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, sear the hens in a hot skillet with oil for 2 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. Leftover meat can be shredded and used in salads or sandwiches.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Cornish Hen Works

This slow cooker Cornish hen recipe is truly one of my go-to options whenever I’m looking for something comforting yet flavorful.

My family loves how tender and juicy these little birds turn out after several hours in the slow cooker – we often enjoy them as is or paired with some delicious sides like roasted carrots or creamy mashed potatoes.

If you’re planning any upcoming gatherings or just need something reliable for weeknight meals alike feel free to give this simple yet scrumptious recipe try!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cornish Hen

1.

Can I use any type of bird instead of Cornish hen?
While other game birds like pheasant or quail might work in this recipe, they have different flavor profiles and textures than Cornish hen. Feel free to experiment with other options if you’d like!

2.

Is it okay to cook multiple Cornish hens at once?
No problem! In fact, cooking multiple hens at once can actually help distribute heat evenly throughout the bird(s). Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

3.

What if I don’t have access to fresh herbs?
No worries! You can easily substitute dried herbs or even use store-bought spice blends if needed.

4.

Can I serve this dish without any sides?
Sure thing! While sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables are always welcome additions to this dish, feel free to keep things simple if desired.

5.

How do I store leftover Cornish hen?
Cool leftovers within two hours of serving; refrigerate or freeze at room temperature.

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