Slow Cooker Cornish Game Hens and Baked Potatoes is an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal. The Cornish game hens are slow-cooked to tender perfection, while the potatoes bake alongside, creating a complete dinner in one go. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this delicious meal:
Ingredients:
For the Cornish Game Hens:
- 2 Cornish game hens (about 1-1.5 lbs each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for browning, optional)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for color and extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 lemon, halved (optional, for extra flavor)
- 4-5 garlic cloves, smashed (optional, for flavor)
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for garnish
For the Baked Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (washed and scrubbed)
- Olive oil or butter for rubbing
- Salt (for seasoning)
- Optional: Sour cream, chives, or cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Poke several holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking.
- Rub each potato with a little olive oil or butter and sprinkle with salt. This will give them a crispy skin.
- Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. They should form the base layer, as they will cook while the game hens are being prepared.
2. Prepare the Cornish Game Hens:
- If you prefer crispy skin, you can brown the Cornish game hens first. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the hens with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika. Sear the hens for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor and texture.
- Place the hens on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves and halved lemon inside the cavity of the hens, if using.
- Pour the chicken broth (or white wine) into the slow cooker. This will help keep the hens moist while cooking and create a flavorful broth to drizzle over the meat later.
3. Cook the Meal:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the hens are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked at the thickest part of the thigh.
- The potatoes should be tender and fully cooked as well. You can check the potatoes with a fork to make sure they are soft and easily pierced.
4. Finish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the hens and potatoes from the slow cooker. Let the hens rest for a few minutes before carving.
- Garnish the Cornish game hens with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
- Serve the game hens with the baked potatoes on the side. Top the potatoes with sour cream, chives, or cheese, if desired.
Tips:
- Crispy Skin: If you want crispier skin on the hens, you can transfer them to a preheated oven (400°F / 200°C) for 15-20 minutes after they are done cooking in the slow cooker. This will crisp up the skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Flavor Variations: You can add vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, onions, or parsnips. Simply place them around the game hens and potatoes. They will cook in the flavorful broth.
- Stuffing: If you like, you can stuff the hens with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and a little butter or sausage stuffing for extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Gravy: Use the broth left in the slow cooker to make a simple gravy. Pour the broth into a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and reduce to thicken. If desired, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water to help thicken the gravy.
This Slow Cooker Cornish Game Hens and Baked Potatoes recipe is a wonderful, hassle-free way to prepare a delicious, comforting meal. The slow cooker ensures the game hens come out tender and flavorful, while the potatoes cook to perfection alongside them!