Emilie Meyer
Cooking Cornish hens in a crock pot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this dish. The slow cooker method is versatile, easy to clean, and requires minimal prep. The cooking time varies depending on the crock pot's settings, but it generally takes around 4 hours on a high setting and 8 hours on a low setting. This cooking time ensures the Cornish hens are tender, juicy, and infused with flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time on high power | 3-4 hours |
| Cook time on low power | 5-8 hours |
| Defrost time | 24-48 hours |
| Marinate time | 20-30 minutes |
| Broil time | 2-3 minutes |
| Number of servings | 1-2 |
| Calories | 992kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 85g |
| Fat | 63g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 28g |
| Cholesterol | 455mg |
| Sodium | 4011mg |
| Potassium | 1371mg |
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What You'll Learn
Crock pot cooking times and temperatures
Crock pots are a great way to cook a delicious, tender, and juicy Cornish hen with minimal effort. The cooking time will depend on the number of hens you are cooking, the power setting you choose, and whether you want a crispy skin.
For two Cornish hens, cooking for around four hours on a high setting or six to eight hours on a low setting is recommended. If you want a crispy skin, you can finish the hens under the broiler for two to three minutes, or in a skillet to brown all sides.
It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the hens reaches at least 165°F to avoid food poisoning. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Some crock pots will automatically switch to a warm setting after the set cooking time, which is a useful feature to look out for.
You can also cook Cornish hens from frozen, but this method is not recommended as it takes longer to reach a safe internal temperature, and bacteria may develop.
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How to prepare the Cornish hens before cooking
Preparing Cornish hens before cooking involves a few simple steps. Firstly, ensure that the hens are thawed if they were previously frozen. It is recommended to thaw frozen hens in the refrigerator for a day or until they are completely thawed.
Once the hens are thawed, you can season them with your choice of spices and herbs. A common seasoning mix includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried oregano. You can also add softened butter to the hens, spreading it all over, including under the skin. For a zesty flavour, rub the hens with lime juice, or simply drizzle them with olive oil. Additionally, don't forget to check the inner cavity of the hens and remove any bags containing organs.
After seasoning, you can place the hens in a marinade. A simple marinade can be made by mixing softened butter with your chosen spices, or you can use a store-bought marinade. Allow the hens to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Once the hens are marinated, they are ready to be placed in the crockpot for cooking. You can also freeze the hens in the marinade and cook them later, but be sure to thaw them before placing them in the crockpot.
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Marinade ingredients and preparation
To make Cornish hens in a crock pot, you can use a variety of marinade ingredients to infuse the meat with flavour. Here is a list of ingredients you can use, along with preparation instructions:
Ingredients:
- Fresh rosemary
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Poultry seasoning
Preparation:
- Start by gathering your ingredients and measuring out the desired amounts.
- In a gallon-size resealable bag, add your chosen combination of marinade ingredients and seal the bag.
- Shake the bag to mix the ingredients and coat the hens.
- Add defrosted Cornish hens to the bag. If using frozen hens, you can let them marinate as they defrost in the refrigerator.
- Ensure you remove any air from the bag before sealing it again.
- Marinate the hens for at least 20-30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator for more intense flavour.
- While the hens are marinating, prepare your crock pot by slicing onions and/or potatoes into halves.
- Place the onion and/or potato halves flat side down in the crock pot.
- Remove the hens from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place each marinated hen on top of two onion halves to raise them off the bottom of the crock pot.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the hens.
Your Cornish hens are now ready to be cooked in the crock pot!
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How to get crispy skin on your Cornish hens
Cooking Cornish hens in a crock pot is a convenient way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow-cooking method ensures tender and juicy results, but it can leave the skin less than crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get crispy skin on your Cornish hens cooked in a crock pot:
Step 1: Prepare the Cornish Hens
Start by seasoning the hens with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove any bags containing organs from the inner cavity. You can also tie the legs with kitchen twine if desired. It is recommended to use thawed Cornish hens for even cooking and to avoid dry, tough meat.
Step 2: Marinate
Place the hens in a resealable bag with your choice of marinade. Squeeze out the excess air and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes, or even overnight for richer flavour.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
Slice onions and/or potatoes into halves and place them flat side down in the crock pot. Put each marinated hen on top of two onion halves to raise them off the bottom of the pot. This technique helps prevent the bottom of the hens from becoming mushy.
Step 4: Cook in the Crock Pot
Pour the remaining marinade over the hens and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, depending on your desired cooking duration. Remember to remove any giblets before serving.
Step 5: Crisp the Skin
For crispy skin, transfer the cooked Cornish hens to a shallow oven-safe baking dish. Place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning. You can also use an air fryer set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the skin reaches your desired crispness.
By following these steps, you can enjoy tender, flavourful Cornish hens with a crispy skin prepared in your crock pot. Remember to adjust the cooking times and techniques according to your crock pot model and personal preferences.
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What to serve with your Cornish hens
Now that you know how long to cook a Cornish hen in a crockpot, it's time to plan what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will perfectly complement your juicy and tender Cornish hens:
Salads
Salads are a refreshing and healthy option to balance out the rich flavours of the Cornish hens. You can opt for a classic Caesar salad or a seasonal Panzanella salad with crusty bread and ripe tomatoes during the spring or summer. A winter salad with a citrus vinaigrette, bacon, cranberries, red onion, pecans, and feta cheese is another tasty option. For a fruity twist, try a wild rice salad with orange citrus and grapes or a quinoa butternut squash salad.
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a perfect match for Cornish hens. Try roasted whole carrots with a tangy tahini dressing and crumbled feta, or roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet potatoes and a bacon maple glaze. Baked asparagus is another classic side dish that pairs well with the hens; simply toss the asparagus in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese before baking.
Starches
When it comes to starches, mashed potatoes are a classic choice to serve with Cornish hens. For a heartier option, try wild rice pilaf with onions, mushrooms, and parsley, or even a wild rice casserole. If you're looking for something more indulgent, mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, especially with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping.
Breads
Soft dinner rolls or crusty garlic bread are perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the Cornish hens.
Desserts
For a sweet ending to your meal, a sour cream chocolate bundt cake or a butter pecan bundt cake is sure to impress. If you're serving the Cornish hens during the holidays, consider making a cranberry sauce flavoured with orange juice and zest, or some Air Fryer Baked Apples with cinnamon whipped cream.
With these side dish options, you're sure to create a memorable and delicious meal centred around your crockpot Cornish hens!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 4 hours to cook a Cornish hen on a high setting and 6-8 hours on a low setting.
The ideal temperature for cooking Cornish hens in a crock pot is 165°F.
To get the skin crispy, transfer the cooked Cornish hens to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Some good side dishes to serve with crock pot Cornish hens are mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, wild rice, and roasted vegetables.
No, it is not safe to cook frozen Cornish hens in a crock pot as it takes longer to reach a food-safe internal temperature, allowing bacteria to breed.
