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Instant Pot Cornish Hens Recipe The Soul Food Way

Instant Pot Cornish Hens The Soul Food Way

My Instant Pot soul food Cornish hens are tender, juicy, and seasoned to the bone with a rich blend of herbs and spices. Pressure-cooked in savory chicken broth, they deliver that deep, down-home Southern flavor without the long wait.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Pressure Release Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Soul Food
Servings: 4 people per bird
Calories: 345kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
  • Instant Pot trivet rack (comes with the Instant Pot)

Ingredients

  • 1-1 ½ pound Cornish hens up to 3 hens
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons seasoning salt Famous Dave’s Chicken Rub (or similar)
  • 2 tablespoons garlic salt Weber Roasted Garlic & Herb (or similar)
  • 5-6 sprigs thyme optional, fresh sprigs of thyme to garnish

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the Famous Dave’s Rub with the roasted garlic & herb spice to create a Southern spice rub.
  • Combine the seasonings and thoroughly rub the mixture onto the Cornish hens to coat them evenly.
  • Open the Instant Pot lid, and pour the chicken broth into the stainless steel inner pot.
  • Place the seasoned hens on the Instant Pot trivet rack and carefully lower them into the inner pot.
  • Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up, in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes.
  • To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to the venting position and manually release any remaining pressure if necessary.
  • Baste the hens by using a large spoon to scoop the pan juices from the inner pot and pour them over the top of each hen.
  • Use the trivet rack’s handles to carefully remove the hens from the inner pot.
  • Place the cooked hens on a cutting board for carving and slide out the trivet rack.
  • Optionally, reserve the remaining chicken broth in the inner pot to pour over the Cornish hens when serving. (It's also delicious poured over rice!) Garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme, then serve and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 173mg | Sodium: 7300mg | Potassium: 434mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 501IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg
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