Cody Casey
Cornish hens are a small breed of chicken that originated in Cornwall, England. They are typically young female chickens weighing around 1-2 pounds and are known for their tender and flavorful meat. Cooking Cornish hens in a Crock Pot or slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to prepare a delicious and juicy meal. This method of cooking infuses the meat with rich flavors and ensures that it remains moist and tender. The process is simple, requiring minimal prep work and little to no clean-up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of cooking | Easy, minimal prep, and little clean-up |
| Taste | Flavorful, juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone |
| Ingredients | 5 ingredients, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oat-free, nut-free, soy-free |
| Cooking time | 4-8 hours, depending on power setting |
| Serving suggestions | Rice, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, salad, dinner rolls |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
Cooking Cornish hens in a Crock Pot is an easy and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal. The cooking time and temperature for this dish can vary slightly depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific Crock Pot being used. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook Cornish hens to perfection:
Cooking Temperature:
When using a Crock Pot or slow cooker, the temperature settings are typically "Low" and "High". These settings correspond to specific temperature ranges that are ideal for slow cooking. The "Low" setting is generally recommended for longer cooking durations, while the "High" setting is suitable for faster cooking.
Cooking Time:
The cooking time for Cornish hens in a Crock Pot can range from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the chosen temperature setting.
- High Temperature: Cooking Cornish hens on high heat for about 4 hours is a common recommendation. This setting is suitable if you want to cook the hens faster. However, it's important to ensure that the Crock Pot doesn't switch to a lower temperature setting too early, as some models may automatically do so.
- Low Temperature: Cooking on low heat for 6 to 8 hours is another option. This extended cooking time at a lower temperature allows for a slower, more gradual cooking process, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Checking for Doneness:
To ensure that your Cornish hens are cooked thoroughly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The hens are considered done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, such as the inner thigh, to get an accurate reading.
Optional Step: Crisping the Skin
If you prefer your Cornish hens with crispy skin, there is an optional step you can take after slow cooking. Transfer the cooked hens to a shallow oven-safe baking dish and place them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning. This step adds a crispy texture to the skin without overcooking the meat.
Remember, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and model of your Crock Pot, as well as the number of hens being cooked. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific Crock Pot model, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure perfect results.
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Marinade ingredients
Preparing a marinade for Cornish hens is simple and requires only a few ingredients. First, take a gallon-size resealable bag and add your chosen marinade ingredients. You can use a combination of fresh and dried herbs and spices, such as fresh rosemary, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. You can also add some butter to the bag for extra moisture and flavour.
Next, add your defrosted Cornish hens to the bag. If your hens are frozen, you can let them marinate as they defrost in the refrigerator. Seal the bag, ensuring you squeeze out all the air. Shake the bag so that the marinade coats the hens evenly. Allow the hens to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge for more intense flavour.
You can also freeze the Cornish hens in the marinade and let them thaw before placing them in the crockpot. This is a great option if you want to prepare your meal ahead of time.
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Seasoning and spices
A simple seasoning mix includes salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add onion powder, paprika, ground thyme, fresh rosemary, and cumin. For a more herby flavour, use dried and fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and fines herbs.
If you want to add a tangy twist, rub the hens with a mixture of lemon juice, melted margarine, thyme, garlic powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. You can also add paprika and use butter instead of margarine.
For the liquid base, you can use chicken broth, or switch it up with orange juice or white wine for a different flavour profile.
If you're looking for a spicier kick, try poultry seasoning, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, or cajun seasoning.
Don't forget to season the Cornish hens generously, as this will ensure a mouthwatering, flavour-infused dish.
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Vegetables and sides
There are a variety of vegetables and sides that can be served with Cornish hens cooked in a crock pot. Here are some ideas:
Vegetables
- Onions: Quarter the onion and place it in the crockpot. You can use a white or yellow onion, whichever you prefer.
- Potatoes: Cut a full-size potato into large bite-sized cubes and place them in the crockpot.
- Carrots: Baby carrots or regular carrots can be added to the crockpot.
Sides
- Rice: White or brown rice can be a great side dish to soak up the juices from the Cornish hens.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be a comforting side dish.
- Green beans: Fresh or steamed green beans can add a healthy and tasty element to the meal.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob can be a sweet and juicy side.
- Brussels sprouts: Roasted or steamed Brussels sprouts can be a tasty and nutritious side dish.
These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and serve the Cornish hens with your favorite vegetables and sides. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're adding vegetables to the crock pot, as they may require less time to cook than the hens.
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Crockpot preparation
Ingredients:
- Cornish hens (2)
- Onion (1, quartered)
- Chicken broth (or any type of broth/stock)
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Other seasonings/spices of your choice (e.g. paprika, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
Optional Ingredients:
- Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, etc.)
- Marinade (e.g. lemon juice, margarine, thyme, garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes)
- Liquid for moisture and flavour (white wine, citrus juice, apple cider, etc.)
Method:
- Preparation: Season the hens with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Check the inner cavity for any bags containing organs and remove them. You may also choose to marinate the hens for 20-30 minutes or overnight in a mixture of lemon juice, melted margarine, thyme, garlic powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
- Assembly: Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Place halved potatoes and/or onions in the crockpot first, then put each hen on top of the vegetables to keep them raised and prevent the bottom from turning mushy. Pour any remaining marinade over the hens.
- Cooking: Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. The hens are ready when their internal temperature reaches 165-180°F.
- Optional: For crispy skin, transfer the cooked hens to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Serving: Cornish hens go well with rice, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or a side salad.
This crockpot recipe is convenient, requiring minimal preparation and yielding tasty, tender, and juicy results.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, they can.
It takes 4 hours on high heat and 6-8 hours on low heat.
You will need a Cornish hen, onion, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken broth. You can also add other ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and various herbs and spices.
Yes, you should season the hen with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also marinate the hen in a mixture of lemon juice, thyme, garlic powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
You can serve crock-pot Cornish hens with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or a small side salad and dinner rolls.
