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crock pot cornish hen

🍗 Crock Pot Cornish Hen Recipe Card

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Servings: 2
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cornish hens about 1–1.5 lbs each
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • 1 small onion quartered
Optional:
  • fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for garnish
Optional:
  • ½ cup chicken broth for extra moisture

Method
 

Prepare Hens:
  1. Remove giblets and pat hens dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil or butter all over the birds.
Season:
  1. Mix garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper; sprinkle evenly over hens.
Stuff:
  1. Place lemon halves, smashed garlic, and onion inside each hen cavity.
Arrange in Crock Pot:
  1. Place hens breast-side up in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around the sides if using.
Cook:
  1. Cover and cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Serve:
  1. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

For crispier skin, transfer hens to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.
Add root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips) around the hens for a one-pot meal.
Let the hens rest 5 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Use leftover broth as a base for gravy or soup.