Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Slow Cooker Cornish Game Hens! This recipe guarantees incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken, thanks to a vibrant Mediterranean olive oil and herb rub. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these individual-sized birds cook effortlessly in your slow cooker, delivering tender perfection every time.
For more delightful slow cooker chicken recipes, our readers also adore this Creamy Tahini Chicken, a true crowd-pleaser.
Cornish game hens are an absolute favorite in our home, and for good reason. These small, individual-sized chickens are not only convenient for single servings but also pack an incredible amount of flavor and tenderness. They make for an elegant presentation without the fuss of carving a larger bird, making them ideal for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions. While I love a good grilled Cornish hen recipe for its smoky char, this new slow cooker method offers unparalleled ease and moisture, ensuring every bite is succulent and infused with rich Mediterranean flavors.
The slow cooker truly shines when it comes to preparing poultry, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. It locks in moisture, allowing the flavors of our aromatic herb rub to penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly juicy and fork-tender. This method is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a hands-off approach that lets you focus on other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself.
Beyond the culinary convenience, food has a remarkable power to bring people together and foster understanding. Recently, my children’s school in our predominantly white Colorado city initiated an event to embrace its growing cultural and religious diversity. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents and discover the rich tapestry of backgrounds within our school community. I was genuinely surprised and delighted by the immense diversity present, realizing how much there is to learn from one another.
It was fascinating to hear about different traditions and dietary preferences—some families observe holidays on different dates, others abstain from certain meats like beef or pork out of religious conviction, even if they aren’t Muslim. These conversations, often sparked by shared meals or discussions around food, highlight the beauty of our global village. It’s always enriching to engage with people, listen to their stories, and learn about their customs. Such interactions help break down barriers and build bridges of empathy and appreciation.
Even my grandparents, with their deep appreciation for wholesome, delicious food, were intrigued by the concept of the school meeting and eagerly awaited my insights. They were particularly pleased to see these Cornish hens, as smaller birds are highly prized in Middle Eastern cuisine. They are traditionally seen as a sign of tender, juicy, and easy-to-eat meat, making them a festive and welcome addition to any table. This slow-cooked version captures that essence perfectly, delivering a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
How Long Does It Take to Cook a Cornish Hen?
When using the slow cooker, you can achieve perfectly tender Cornish hens by cooking them on **low for 5 hours** or on **high for 3 hours**. This allows the meat to become incredibly succulent and fall-off-the-bone tender. For those who prefer **oven-baked** Cornish hens, a common method is to roast them at a higher temperature, typically 400°F (200°C), for about **10-15 minutes** to get a good start on the skin, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for approximately **45 minutes to an hour**, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
How Do You Get Crispy Skin on Slow Cooker Cornish Hens?
While slow cooking excels at making the meat tender and moist, it doesn’t typically result in crispy skin. However, achieving that desirable golden-brown crispness is easy with a few extra steps. After your Cornish hens are cooked through in the slow cooker, you have two excellent options:
- Broiling: Carefully transfer the cooked hens to a baking sheet. Place them under a preheated broiler in your oven for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. The intense, direct heat will quickly crisp up the skin.
- Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) with a tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the hens skin-side down and sear for 3-5 minutes until the skin is beautifully browned and crispy. This method also adds an extra layer of richness from the butter.
How to Slow Cook Cornish Hens: A Simple Guide
This recipe is designed for maximum ease, truly embodying the “dump, set, and forget” philosophy of slow cooking. With minimal preparation, you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal.
- Prepare the Mediterranean Rub: In a small bowl, combine all your chosen herbs and spices (kosher salt, paprika, ground cardamom, basil, oregano, sage, black pepper, and onion powder). Mix them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor. Then, drizzle in the olive oil and mix again to form a fragrant paste.
- Season the Hens: Thoroughly rub this aromatic mixture all over each Cornish hen. Be sure to get under the skin where possible and inside the cavity for maximum flavor infusion. Don’t be shy; really massage the rub into the bird.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned hens carefully into your slow cooker. If you like, you can add a bed of chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, or potatoes at the bottom to absorb the flavorful juices as they cook.
- Add Liquid: Pour in about ½ cup of chicken broth or water. This liquid will create a steamy environment, preventing the hens from drying out and contributing to that succulent texture.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. The slow, gentle heat will transform the hens into tender, moist perfection.
- Optional Crispy Skin: If you desire crispy skin, follow the broiling or pan-searing steps mentioned above after the slow cooking is complete.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, allow the hens to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring an even more tender and flavorful bird.
It’s truly as simple as that! You’ll be rewarded with incredibly flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. I often serve mine with a hearty freekeh pilaf, tender roasted asparagus, and crispy sweet potato fries for a balanced and satisfying meal. The versatility of these slow-cooked hens means they can accompany almost any vegetable or grain you desire.
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Recipes
The slow cooker is an indispensable tool for creating comforting and convenient meals, especially during busy weeknights. Here are a few more reader favorites:
Beef Stew Recipe
A hearty slow cooker beef stew recipe with chickpeas and carrots, enriched with Middle Eastern spices for the ultimate comfort food meal throughout the year.
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Slow Cooker Syrian Kawaj
Discover the rich flavors of traditional Syrian Kawaj, a delectable dish featuring tender meatballs and potatoes cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
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Tahini Chicken Slow Cooker
Succulent chicken drumsticks bathed in a creamy, flavorful tahini sauce, making for an irresistibly rich and satisfying slow cooker meal.
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We truly hope you enjoy preparing and savoring these delicious Slow Cooker Cornish Game Hens! If you make this recipe, we’d love to see your culinary creations. Please snap a picture and share it on social media, using the hashtag #amiraspantry. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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Slow Cooker Cornish Hens
Cornish chickens are small-sized poultry that make for an easy yet elegant dinner. This recipe showcases one of the best ways to prepare Cornish hens: whole chickens rubbed with a delicious, aromatic seasoning and slow-cooked to absolute perfection for the ultimate flavor and tenderness.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 271.2 kcal
Author: Amira
Ingredients
Rub mixture:
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt.
- ½ Tablespoon paprika.
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom.
- ½ teaspoon basil.
- ½ teaspoon oregano.
- ½ teaspoon sage.
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder.
- ¼ cup olive oil.
- 2 cornish hens
- ½ cup chicken broth.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients together, mixing until well combined to form a flavorful paste.
- Thoroughly rub the chicken inside and out, including under the skin, with this aromatic mixture. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Carefully place the seasoned Cornish hens in your slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth around the hens. Cover and set the slow cooker on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours, until the hens are tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, allow the hens to rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the slow cooker and serving.
Video
Notes
- Ensure to clean the cavity of each hen thoroughly before applying the rub.
- For a neater presentation, you may want to tie the legs of the hens together with kitchen twine.
- To achieve a wonderfully crispy skin, transfer the cooked hens to a baking sheet and place them under a preheated broiler for 5-10 minutes, or pan-sear them in a lightly oiled skillet until golden brown. Always watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Always confirm that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 180°F (82°C) when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the inner thigh, avoiding the bone.
- Serve these delicious hens with classic sides like Lebanese rice, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.
- To store leftovers: Place any remaining cooked hen in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a lightly oiled or buttered skillet on the stovetop until warmed through.
Please check our nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 2.8 g |
Protein: 24.5 g |
Fat: 17.7 g |
Potassium: 431.4 mg |
Fiber: 0.9 g |
Sugar: 0.3 g |
Vitamin A: 540 IU |
Vitamin C: 2.7 mg |
Calcium: 36 mg |
Iron: 1.7 mg
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