Simple Cornish Hen Ala Crock Pot
Elevate your dinner game with this "Simple Cornish Hen Ala Crock Pot" recipe—a fuss-free yet elegant way to prepare a stunning meal. Tender Cornish hens are rubbed with a flavorful blend of garlic, thyme, paprika, and lemon, stuffed with fresh rosemary, and slow-cooked to juicy perfection atop a bed of hearty vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a hands-off cooking experience, as the crock pot does all the work, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth bird that pairs beautifully with its caramelized vegetable companions. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or an impressive date night meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Make it even more irresistible by broiling the hens for a golden, crispy finish. Cooking comfort meets sophistication in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish hens
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 3 large Carrots
- 2 whole Celery stalks
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 1 whole Lemon
- 2 whole Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure the cavities are clear of giblets.
Rub each hen with 2 tablespoons of softened butter, covering the skin and cavity evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mix generously over the entire surface of the hens, including inside the cavities.
Cut the lemon into quarters. Insert two lemon wedges and one sprig of rosemary into the cavity of each Cornish hen.
Peel and chop the carrots into 2-inch pieces. Chop the celery into similar-sized chunks. Slice the onion into thick wedges.
Place the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) into the bottom of your crock pot to create a bed for the hens.
Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables to keep them moist and add flavor as they cook.
Nestle the seasoned Cornish hens on top of the vegetable bed, breast side up.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours, until the hens are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Optional: For crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked hens to a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Serve the hens hot with the cooked vegetables and any juices from the crock pot as a light sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2627 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 167.4 g | 215% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.8 g | 304% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 882 mg | 294% | |
| Sodium | 4133 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.0 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.0 g | ||
| Protein | 229.4 g | 459% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 356 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 15.6 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 3484 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
