Imagine tender, succulent Cornish hens that practically melt in your mouth, infused with rich, deep flavors and cooked to absolute perfection - without spending hours in the kitchen. This Cornish Crock Pot recipe is your ticket to an effortless, gourmet meal that looks like it was prepared by a professional chef, but requires minimal effort from you. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or want to impress your guests, these slow-cooked hens will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure that the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.
- Season the Cornish hens generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the skin. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
- In the bottom of your crock pot, place the quartered onion and sliced carrots. This will create a flavorful base for the hens and allow the vegetables to absorb the delicious juices as they cook.
- Next, pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the vegetables in the crock pot. This liquid will keep the hens moist and help to infuse the flavors throughout the dish.
- Carefully place the seasoned Cornish hens on top of the vegetables in the crock pot, breast side up. Make sure they are sitting securely and not touching the sides of the pot.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid. Set the temperature to low and allow the hens to cook for approximately 6 hours. This slow cooking method will ensure that the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
- After 6 hours of cooking, check the internal temperature of the hens using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the Cornish hens from the crock pot using tongs, allowing any excess liquid to drain off. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Cornish hens with the cooked carrots and onions from the crock pot. You can also ladle some of the broth over the hens for added flavor and moisture.
- Enjoy your delicious Cornish Crock Pot meal, perfect for a cozy dinner for two!
Tips
- Pat the Cornish hens completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden skin.
- Don't rush the cooking process - low and slow is the key to tender, juicy meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the hens reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth.
- If you want a slightly crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the hens for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Save the leftover broth - it makes an excellent base for soups or sauces.
- Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 180mg
