You can cook cornish hens in a variety of ways. They may be roasted, grilled, or baked; the best part is that they cook faster than regular chicken. Why? Because they have a smaller size. This leads us to the question; how long to cook cornish hens in a crock pot?
They weigh between 1 and 2 pounds, but they take too long to cook. They are a good option for individual servings or small meals and are often stuffed with herbs and spices for added flavor.
If you would like to know how long to cook cornish hens in a crock pot, then stick around for a bit.
Contents
What Do I Need To Know About Cornish Hen?
Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are a type of poultry that is a smaller breed of chicken. They have a flavor similar to chicken, but their meat is more tender and juicy. They are also leaner than regular chicken.
Cornish hens were first developed in the United States in the early 1900s by crossing different chicken breeds.
They were initially bred for their meat, which is tender and flavorful. Today, they are popular in many different types of cuisine and can be found in restaurants and grocery stores around the world. Perfect! Right?
Do you know that when you want to buy Cornish hens, you need to look for plump ones with a fresh smell? Note that they should be kept refrigerated until ready to use.
Most people serve Cornish hens whole, with one person having one hen. However, they can be served with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Before cooking, it’s important to remove the giblets from the cavity of the hen and rinse the hen inside and out with cold water. Some recipes call for marinating the hen before cooking, while others simply require seasoning the bird with salt, pepper, and herbs.
It’s also important to ensure that the hen is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long To Cook Cornish Hens In A Crock Pot?
Cooking Cornish hens in a crockpot typically takes about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. It depends on the size of the hens and the specific recipe you’re using.
We advise that you use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the hens reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before serving. However, here’s a simple recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Steps To Cook Cornish Hens In A Crock Pot
- Rinse the Cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Rub the mixture all over the hens.
- Place the lemon slices, garlic, and onion in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the hens on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth over the hens.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the hens are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the hens with the vegetables and juices from the crockpot. Enjoy!
How Long Should I Cook My Cornish Hen?
The cooking time for a Cornish hen will depend on the bird’s weight, your cooking method, and whether or not the hen is stuffed. Here are some general guidelines for cooking a Cornish hen:
Oven roasting
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the Cornish hen on a roasting rack in a baking dish, breast-side up. Roast for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).
Grilling
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the Cornish hen on the grill, breast-side down, and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Flip the hen over and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).
Slow cooking
Place the Cornish hen in a slow cooker with your desired seasonings and cook on low for approximately 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).
Related: How Do You Cook Oxtails In A Crock Pot? (5 Easy Steps)
Conclusion
Cornish hen takes a long time to cook in a crock pot. However, they are a flavorful and versatile type of poultry that are easy to prepare and can be used in various recipes. Whether roasted, grilled, or baked, they will surely be a hit at any meal.
To create a sweet and savory flavor, you can glaze the hens with honey or maple syrup.