Cornish hens came from Cornwall, England. These broiler chickens are a hybrid of Cornish and White Plymouth Rock chicken breeds. But sadly, these delicious birds would not rise to popularity until they came to the US. Nevertheless, once people tasted this juicy bird, they were hooked, and the demand for Cornish hens hadn't slowed.
Cornish hens can be reserved for special occasions, but they are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, especially if cooked in the Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Cornish Hen recipe is fast, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. First, the Cornish hens are stuffed with lemons and rosemary, then seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and sumac, giving the birds a tangy lemon-like flavor and a rich, deep color. Next, the birds are cooked in the Instant Pot, then broiled in the oven for a few minutes to let the skin get golden and crisp. Overall, you will not only end up with a delicious dish but also a dish that makes you savor every bite.
How long does it take for Cornish hens to get done?
On average, it takes 45-60 minutes to cook Cornish hens. However, since the Cornish hens are cooked in the Instant Pot, it takes about 20 minutes to cook them.
Should Cornish hens be thawed before cooking?
It would help if you thawed your Cornish hens before you cooked them. However, if you forget to thaw the Cornish hens, you can cook them from frozen, but the Cornish hens will take 50% longer to cook than if melted.
How many Cornish hens can you cook at once?
How many Cornish hens you can cook at once depends on the size of your Instant Pot. For example, a 6-8 quart Instant Pot can fit two Cornish hens. However, you may be able to cook more Cornish hens at once if you are using a large 10-quart Instant Pot.
What should I serve with Cornish hens?
Couscous, Crispy Roasted Potatoes, and Moro Rice are the perfect side dishes if you are looking for gluten-free or hearty side dishes. If you are looking for keto side dishes Cauliflower Rice, Eggplant Noodles, or Keto Pasta Salad pair perfectly with Cornish hens.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons Sumac Powder
2 teaspoons Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
2 pounds Cornish Hen (about 2 Cornish hens)
3 Lemons, quartered
6 sprigs Rosemary
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Instructions
Mix the sumac, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl until combined. Set it aside.
Place the Cornish hens onto a cutting board. Add 4 pieces of lemon and 2 rosemary sprigs to the inner cavity of each Cornish hen. To prevent the lemons and rosemary from falling out, tie the legs using kitchen twine.
Brush the Cornish hens' exterior with olive oil, coat with the seasoning blend, and rub it into the meat.
To an Instant Pot, add the trivet and the chicken broth. Place the Cornish hens on top of the trivet.
Put the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the valve to sealing. Press the pressure cooker or manual cook function and cook the Cornish hens for 20 minutes.
When the Cornish hens are finished cooking, let it release naturally for 5 minutes. Set the valve to venting.
To finish the Cornish hens, set the oven to broil. Remove the Cornish hens from the Instant Pot and place them onto a baking sheet. Broil for 7-10 minutes until they are golden brown.
Place the Cornish hens onto a serving platter or large cutting board before serving, and garnish them with the remaining lemons and rosemary if desired.
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