Slow cooker cornish hens are an easy way to serve a dinner that feels a little elegant, with easy prep and letting your slow cooker do the cooking. The hens cook until tender in a creamy marry me sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs.

Two roast chickens in a white baking dish with creamy herb sauce, garnished with sprigs of thyme and pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. The dish sits on a light-colored cloth on a rustic wooden table.
Slow Cooker Cornish Hens are simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs for an easy meal that feels elegant without extra work.

A Quick Look At This Recipe

  • Recipe Name: Slow Cooker Cornish Hens
  • Serves: 2 Cornish hens
  • Main Ingredients: Cornish hens, Salt, Black pepper, olive oil, garlic, dried basil, thyme or 1 fresh thyme sprig, paprika
  • Why You'll Love It: Slow cooker cornish hens are tender, flavorful, and cooked in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method that feels approachable even for newer cooks. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy hens, making it a wonderful choice for a small dinner gathering or family meal. It's an easy way to serve something that feels a little special without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.

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I first made Cornish hens for Valentine’s Day because I wanted a dinner that felt a little out of the ordinary, but I didn’t want to spend the whole evening in the kitchen. Instead of roasting them, I tucked them into the slow cooker with a creamy “marry me” style sauce. Cornish hens are especially nice for a small dinner gathering because each person gets their own hen, and that rich creamy sauce is delicious spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes, or rice.

Simply delicious and we’re looking forward to leftovers tonight!

—Karen B.

Main Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, jump to the recipe card.

A variety of ingredients on a white surface, including whole Cornish hens, olive oil, milk, shredded cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, herbs, garlic, and spice jars. Measuring cups and fresh thyme are also visible.

Helpful Ingredient Tips

  • Cornish hens: If using frozen hens, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Remove them from the packaging, check the cavity for giblets, and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
  • Heavy cream: This creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce. I don’t recommend substituting milk here because the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy. 
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese. If possible, grab a block and grate it yourself for the smoothest sauce. 
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the sauce. If you’re using oil-packed tomatoes, drain them before chopping. 
  • Thyme: Both fresh and dried thyme work well here. I often use dried thyme because it’s already in my pantry, but if I have fresh thyme on hand, I’ll tuck a sprig into the sauce.

How To Make Cornish Hens in the Slow Cooker

This recipe uses a simple sear-and-simmer method before everything finishes in the slow cooker. The extra few minutes at the beginning help build flavor and create a rich sauce.

Two raw whole chickens on a white plate, sprinkled with dried herbs, placed on a white marble surface with a plain light background.
A skillet containing two browned, seasoned spatchcocked chickens sits on a white marble countertop against a plain white background.

Steps 1 and 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the hens generously with salt and black pepper.

Sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side, then transfer the browned hens to the slow cooker.

A whole seasoned chicken covered in a creamy sauce with herbs and spices sits inside a slow cooker.

Step 3 and 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the garlic, basil, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Add additional salt if needed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour the sauce over the hens in the slow cooker. Cook on High for 3 hours or Low for 5 hours. The hens are done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. Let the hens rest in the slow cooker with the lid off for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a serving platter and spoon about ½ cup of sauce over each hen. Serve the remaining sauce on the side.

Tip: I recommend using an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness instead of guessing. It’s a quick and easy way to know your hens are perfectly cooked without cutting into them.

Why is there so much liquid in the slow cooker?

That’s completely normal. The hens release juices as they cook, which combine with the cream sauce to make plenty for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.

Variations

  • Adjust the heat level: The red pepper flakes add a little warmth to the sauce, but they’re completely optional. Feel free to reduce them or leave them out completely if you prefer.
  • Try a dairy-free version: A dairy-free cream alternative can replace the heavy cream, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute may be used. Keep in mind the sauce may be slightly thinner and less rich.
  • Make it a little saucier: If you enjoy extra sauce for serving over mashed potatoes or rice, you can serve all of the sauce alongside the hens rather than spooning only a portion over the top.
  • Serve family-style: Instead of placing a whole hen on each plate, you can carve the hens and arrange the meat on a serving platter. Spoon the sauce over the top and pass the extra sauce at the table.

Make Ahead Tips

This recipe works well for preparing ahead when you’re hosting.

  • Have your serving platter ready before dinner time so serving feels relaxed and easy.
  • Thaw the hens in the refrigerator the day before cooking.
  • Mince the garlic and measure the seasonings ahead of time.
  • You can sear the hens and prepare the sauce earlier in the day, then refrigerate both separately until you’re ready to start the slow cooker.

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Two cooked chicken breasts in a creamy herb sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garnished with fresh thyme, served in a white baking dish with a wooden serving spoon on a rustic wooden table. this for later
Two roast chickens in a white baking dish with creamy herb sauce, garnished with sprigs of thyme and pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. The dish sits on a light-colored cloth on a rustic wooden table.
4.41 from 5 reviews
Gina Dickson

Slow Cooker Cornish Hens

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 2 Cornish hens
Slow cooker cornish hens are tender, flavorful, and cooked in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method that feels approachable even for newer cooks. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy hens, making it a wonderful choice for a small dinner gathering or family meal. It's an easy way to serve something that feels a little special without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 Cornish hens, thawed overnight in the refrigerator if purchased frozen
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon thyme or 1 fresh thyme sprig, about 3 inches long
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, crushed, for a little heat
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil and cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions
 

Prepare the Hens

  • Remove the Cornish hens from the packaging and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
    2 Cornish hens
  • Check the cavity of each hen and remove any giblets before seasoning.

Season and Sear

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Generously season the hens with salt and black pepper on all sides.
    Salt, Black pepper
    Two raw whole chickens on a white plate, sprinkled with dried herbs, placed on a white marble surface with a plain light background.
  • Sear the hens on the breast side, sides, and underside until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
    A skillet containing two browned, seasoned spatchcocked chickens sits on a white marble countertop against a plain white background.
  • Transfer the browned hens to the slow cooker.

Make the Sauce Base

  • Reduce the skillet heat to medium.
  • Add the garlic, basil, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
    3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon thyme or 1 fresh thyme sprig, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add Liquids and Cheese

  • Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
    1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Season with additional salt if needed.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cook

  • Pour the sauce over the Cornish hens in the slow cooker.
    A whole seasoned chicken covered in a creamy sauce with herbs and spices sits inside a slow cooker.
  • Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours, until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve

  • Let the hens rest in the slow cooker with the lid off for 5 minutes.
  • Carefully transfer the hens to a serving platter using a large metal spatula.
  • Spoon about 1/2 cup of sauce over each hen and serve the remaining sauce on the side.

Gina’s Notes and Tips

Storage Instructions
  • Storage: Let everything cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have extra sauce, I like storing it separately when possible. 
  • Freezing: Remove the meat from the bones before freezing and package it with the sauce in freezer bags or airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. 
  • Reheating: For the best texture, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium heat with a small splash of broth or cream. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Equipment

Slow Cooker Liners
Slow Cooker Liners
Slow Cooker (6 Quart with Temp Probe)
Slow Cooker (6 Quart with Temp Probe)
Serving: 1hen, Calories: 2048kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 96g, Fat: 177g, Saturated Fat: 79g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g, Monounsaturated Fat: 67g, Cholesterol: 742mg, Sodium: 991mg, Potassium: 1865mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 4726IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 551mg, Iron: 6mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner
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Hospitality with This Cornish Hen Slow Cooker Recipe

Use this slow cooker Cornish hens to kick off a monthly tradition: invite one or two families (especially newcomers from church or neighbors you want to know better) for a slow Sunday supper. Keep the table casual but thoughtful, perhaps candles and soft music. As everyone enjoys their individual hen, pair them with homestyle sides like Southern-style green beans or a fresh green goddess salad to balance the richness of the sauce. If you feed a crowd with kids, an Original Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe makes a hearty, family-friendly addition. Then, end the evening with a slice of Rich And Nutty Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup for a sweet Southern finish. 

While everyone shares the meal, take time to pray together or share one Scripture that has brought comfort recently. This simple rhythm turns a meal into a ministry of presence and peace, restoring souls and building community, one Sunday at a time.

Marry me chicken