Published:
Sep 25th 2022
by 
Last updated: Jan 2nd 2025
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.
This Instant Pot Cornish Hen recipe is fast, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. These tender and juicy hens are infused with lemon, rosemary, and aromatic spices, making them a delightful centerpiece for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, providing gourmet-quality results in a fraction of the time.
Pro Tip - Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time significantly, making this recipe ideal for busy schedules.
- Rich Flavors: Lemon, rosemary, and sumac bring a vibrant and tangy taste to the tender Cornish hens.
- Versatile: Serve with a variety of side dishes for a customizable dining experience.
- Crisp the Skin: Broil the hens after pressure-cooking to achieve golden, crispy skin.
- Trussing: Tying the legs with kitchen twine ensures even cooking and keeps the stuffing secure.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh rosemary and lemons for the best flavor.
- Pair with fluffy couscous or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Drizzle with pan juices or a light gravy for extra moisture and flavor.
- Herbs: Swap rosemary for thyme or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Experiment with paprika or smoked chili powder for a smoky twist.
- Broth: Use vegetable stock as a substitute for chicken broth.
- Short-Term Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Long-Term Storage: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reusability: Shred leftover meat for sandwiches, salads, or soups.
- Cornish Hens: The star of the recipe, offering tender and juicy meat.
- Lemons and Rosemary: Provide a fresh and aromatic stuffing.
- Sumac: Adds a tangy, lemony flavor to the seasoning.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the hens moist during pressure-cooking.
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 use 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.
How do I know when the hens are done?
The hens are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, measured with a meat thermometer.
How to Make Instant Pot Cornish Hen
Start by stuffing the Cornish hens with lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs, then tie the legs with kitchen twine. Season the hens with a blend of sumac, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In the Instant Pot, place a trivet and pour in chicken broth, then set the hens on the trivet. Pressure-cook for 20 minutes and allow the steam to release naturally for 5 minutes before venting.
For a golden, crispy finish, transfer the hens to a baking sheet and broil for 7–10 minutes. Garnish with additional lemon slices and rosemary before serving.
Time & Serves
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 them 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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