Spicy Cornish Game Hens Pressure Cooker
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these Spicy Cornish Game Hens cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker! This recipe highlights tender, juicy game hens infused with bold spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin, perfectly balanced by a zesty splash of fresh lemon juice. Searing the hens before pressure cooking locks in flavor, while a savory broth with sautéed onions and garlic creates a rich, aromatic sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a time-saving yet gourmet dish ideal for four servings. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with roasted vegetables or crusty bread, these game hens offer a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Perfect for those seeking flavorful, easy pressure cooker recipes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 4 minced Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
Instructions
Rinse and pat dry the Cornish game hens with paper towels. Cut each bird in half lengthwise using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, if desired, or leave them whole.
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the game hens, making sure to coat the skin and cavity.
Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode and add the olive oil. When hot, sear the game hens for 3 minutes per side or until the skin is golden brown. Remove them and set aside.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pressure cooker. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release the brown bits. This step adds depth of flavor.
Return the game hens to the pressure cooker, placing them on top of the onions, breast side up. Lock the lid in place and set the pressure cooker manually to high pressure for 20 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Carefully open the lid and check that the internal temperature of the game hens reads at least 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If not, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes under pressure.
Transfer the game hens to a serving platter and spoon some of the flavorful liquid and onions over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the spicy juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
592 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.4 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 804 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.0 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 59.2 g | 118% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 73 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 733 mg | 16% | |
*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.
