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
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove Cornish hens from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Season the hens generously inside and outside with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then roughly chop the fresh sage leaves.
- Gently separate the skin from the Cornish hen meat using your fingers, being careful not to tear the skin.
- Spread half of the melted butter and chopped sage leaves under the skin of each hen, massaging to distribute evenly.
- Place the prepared Cornish hens in the slow cooker, positioning them breast-side up without overcrowding.
- Pour the remaining melted butter with sage over the hens, ensuring they are well-coated.
- 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).
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the hens from the slow cooker and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: For crispy skin, place hens under a broiler for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh sage leaves and serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your Cornish hens sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Drying is Key: Pat the hens completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve crispy skin and allows seasonings to adhere better.
- 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.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the hens are not touching in the slow cooker to allow proper heat circulation and even cooking.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the hens have reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- 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.
- 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