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Slow Cooker Butter and Sage Cornish Hens

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Slow Cooker Butter and Sage Cornish Hens

Imagine a dish so luxurious and effortless that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. These Butter and Sage Cornish Hens are about to become your new go-to recipe that will have your family and guests wondering how you became such a culinary genius. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you'll create a meal that's incredibly succulent, herb-infused, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 2 Cornish hens
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  3. 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove Cornish hens from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
  2. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning absorption.
  3. Season the hens generously inside and outside with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then roughly chop the fresh sage leaves.
  5. Gently separate the skin from the Cornish hen meat using your fingers, being careful not to tear the skin.
  6. Spread half of the melted butter and chopped sage leaves under the skin of each hen, massaging to distribute evenly.
  7. Place the prepared Cornish hens in the slow cooker, positioning them breast-side up without overcrowding.
  8. Pour the remaining melted butter with sage over the hens, ensuring they are well-coated.
  9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the hens from the slow cooker and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  11. Optional: For crispy skin, place hens under a broiler for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  12. Garnish with additional fresh sage leaves and serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

Tips

  1. Temperature Matters: Always let your Cornish hens sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
  2. Drying is Key: Pat the hens completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve crispy skin and allows seasonings to adhere better.
  3. Butter Technique: When spreading butter and sage under the skin, be gentle to avoid tearing the delicate skin. Use your fingers to massage the mixture evenly.
  4. Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the hens are not touching in the slow cooker to allow proper heat circulation and even cooking.
  5. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the hens have reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
  6. Optional Crisp Finish: For those who love crispy skin, the quick broiler trick at the end is a game-changer. Just 3-5 minutes can transform the texture.
  7. Resting Period: Always let the hens rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 504kcal

Carbohydrates: g

Protein: g

Fat: g

Saturated Fat: 19g

Cholesterol: 129mg

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