I recently took a trip down memory lane and was reminded of those staged medieval dinner jousting tournaments where you’d be assigned a section to spectate and root for the knight that your section represented. I think they knew it was corny because they’d even serve delicious Cornish hens for the meal – without the utensils since it’s themed in the dark ages (gotta love a gimmick). If you haven’t had a Cornish hen before, it’s no more than a mini chicken for one where the portion control is just right while getting a full mix of white and dark meat! Here, we’re going to take it to the next level by using some fabulous Better Than Bouillon to create the ultimate garlic Parmesan sauce that we’ll brush onto them just before serving. I suggest no utensils because you’re going to want to lick your garlic Parmesan-coated fingers after!
To see how to make this with a wings or a whole chicken, check out my Super Shortcut book (the green one).
This post was sponsored by Better Than Bouillon/Summit Hill Foods.
Prepping The Hens
How To Make Broth Using Better Than Bouillon
Searing The Hens
Pressure Cooking The Hens
Making The Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Crisping The Cornish Hens
The Finishing Touches
The Taste Test
Watch The Video!
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Cornish Hens
I recently took a trip down memory lane and was reminded of those staged medieval dinner jousting tournaments where you'd be assigned a section to spectate and root for the knight that your section represented. I think they knew it was corny because they'd even serve delicious Cornish hens for the meal - without the utensils since it's themed in the dark ages (gotta love a gimmick). If you haven't had a Cornish hen before, it's no more than a mini chicken for one where the portion control is just right while getting a full mix of white and dark meat! Here, we're going to take it to the next level by using some fabulous Better Than Bouillon to create the ultimate garlic Parmesan sauce that we'll brush onto them just before serving. I suggest no utensils because you're going to want to lick your garlic Parmesan-coated fingers after!
Ingredients
The Hens
- 2 Cornish hens, skin on (fully thawed if from frozen)
- Seasoned salt, for rubbing
- 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) salted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth (I use 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base + 1 cup water)
The Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) salted butter, melted (use the microwave for about 30-45 seconds)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves (1 tablespoons) garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley slakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base
Instructions
- Lightly sprinkle the seasoned salt on the hens and then rub it in.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the Instant Pot and hit Sauté and Adjust so it's on the More or High setting. Once melted, add the hens and sear on all sides for about 3 minutes total. The skin should just be slightly seared. Use tongs to remove to a plate to rest.
- Place the trivet or silicone sling in the Instant Pot and add the broth. Rest the Cornish hens on the trivet/sling. Secure the lid, move the valve to the sealing position, hit Cancel and then hit Manual or Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes. When done, allow a 5-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- While the hens are natural releasing, make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce by combining all those ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well.
- Use tongs to carefully transfer the hens to a plate. Remove the liner pot and either drain the broth or save it for future use (it will freeze well if you want to use it for my Chicken & Dumplings).
- Crisp the hens in one of two ways:
- In The Instant Pot: Rest the hens on the trivet in the pot and generously brush on the sauce (you'll have some leftover). Place an Air Fryer Lid on top. Broil (400°F) for 6-10 minutes, until crisped to your liking. Brush on remaining sauce, if desired, and serve.
- In The Oven: Place the hens on a foil-lined baking tray and generously brush on the sauce (you'll have some leftover). Broil (400°F) for 5-10 minutes, until crisped to your liking. Brush on remaining sauce, if desired, and serve.
Jeffrey's Tips
If you make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce a bit earlier than when the hens are done, it will thicken a lot as the butter cools and congeals. To make it saucy again, simply pop back in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
This air fryer lid will fit both 6 and 8-quart Instant Pot models.
I strongly suggest using this silicone sling in place of the trivet, if possible. It's way easier to lower into the pot and remove.
To see how to make this with a wings or a whole chicken, check out my Super Shortcut book (the green one).
You can use either a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot for two Cornish hens or a 3-quart for one. But the 3-quart models don't offer an air fryer lid to fit it, so you'll need to roast in the oven in Step 6.
Jane Hall
Is this the air fryer lid you use? If it is, I’ll order it. I have an 8 qt that I love but no air fryer. This would be perfect for this family.
Jeffrey
What you see in the video is what I used!
Mary Ellen
I have 2 Cornish hens in the freezer just waiting for this recipe! I even have a silicone sling I’m going to take back from my daughter who never used it, so it’s go time! š½šš
Jeffrey
Enjoy it!
Jane Hall
Is this the air fryer lid that you use? I’m interested in purchasing one and since I don’t want to buy a whole new unit, this would be perfect for our family.
KIM BLOWER
Hi,
I have the 3qt pot. Would the cook time still be 20 minutes for one hen? Also would the time be the same if I could fit 2 hens in the pot? Thanks, this looks delicious!
Jeffrey
Same time!
Ed Dawson
A fabulous recipe and one of the best we have made in our years with the Instant Pot! It works perfectly exactly as written. Suggestion: When the hens come out, replace them directly into the broth with 1.4 pounds of chunked golden potatoes (3 servings). Set the pot and cook on high pressure 8 minutes. Use quick release; pour pot contents through a colander, catching all that good broth for future use. Return potatoes to the pot. Mash them as you would normally, which for us means using a little milk and butter. These mashed potatoes become an attractive, delicious nest on the plate for each little hen. Steal back a little of your broth for a drizzle. Wow!
Jeffrey
I am so happy you tried and loved!
Nichole Shelsea
can I stack 3 hens in the instant pot in a prymaid
Jeffrey
Sure! Maybe add another 5 minutes.
Kim
Can I do this same recipe but for a whole fryer?