Cornish Hen Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish that brings together the unique flavor of tender Cornish hens with classic soup ingredients. Unlike your typical chicken soup, Cornish hens impart a slightly more delicate taste, making this soup an elegant yet hearty option for both cozy family dinners and special occasions.
Whether you’re looking for a soothing bowl to warm up a chilly evening or an impressive starter for a dinner party, this recipe delivers in flavor and nutrition. Perfect for those who want a refined take on the classic chicken soup, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
How To Make Cornish Hen Chicken Soup?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Main Course: Soup
Cuisine: American comfort food
Serves: 4-6 people
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Strainer (optional)
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1-1.5 lbs each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice or noodles (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare The Cornish Hens
Start by rinsing the Cornish hens under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Season the hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
2. Sear The Hens
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the hens to the pot and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. This will lock in the flavors and give your soup a deep, rich taste. Remove the hens and set them aside.
3. Sauté The Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
4. Add Broth And Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth (or water if you prefer a lighter broth), and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Simmer The Soup
Place the Cornish hens back into the pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour. The hens should be fully cooked, and the meat should fall off the bone easily.
6. Remove The Hens And Shred The Meat
Carefully remove the hens from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
7. Optional: Add Rice Or Noodles
If you prefer a heartier soup, stir in cooked rice or noodles at this point.
8. Season To Taste
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt and pepper to your liking.
9. Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Of Cornish Hen Chicken Soup
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Serving Suggestions Of Cornish Hen Chicken Soup
1. Pair With Crusty Bread
Serve this Cornish Hen Chicken Soup with warm, crusty bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
2. Light Salad Option
A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the soup without overpowering it.
Health Benefits Of Cornish Hen Chicken Soup
1. High In Protein
Cornish hen is packed with high-quality protein, making this soup ideal for muscle repair and overall health.
2. Immune-Boosting Ingredients
Garlic, onions, and celery are all known for their immune-boosting properties, especially during the colder months.
3. Low In Fat
By using skinless Cornish hen and minimal oil, this soup is lower in fat compared to other creamy soups.
4. Packed With Vitamins
The vegetables in this soup, especially the carrots and celery, are full of vitamins A and C, which are great for eye health and your immune system.
Special Note
If you’re new to using Cornish hens, don’t be intimidated. They cook just like regular chicken but have a richer flavor that elevates any dish. Plus, their smaller size makes them easier to handle!
Conclusion
Cornish Hen Chicken Soup is my go-to recipe when I want something special but comforting. The flavors are deeper than your typical chicken soup, thanks to the richness of the Cornish hens, and it’s a perfect meal for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re serving it to guests or just enjoying a bowl on your own, it’s a surefire way to impress.
Cornish Hen Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Strainer (optional)
- Serving bowls
Ingredients Â
- 2 Cornish hens about 1-1.5 lbs each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice or noodles optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
InstructionsÂ
Prepare The Cornish Hens
- Start by rinsing the Cornish hens under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Season the hens inside and out with salt and pepper.
Sear The Hens
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the hens to the pot and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. This will lock in the flavors and give your soup a deep, rich taste. Remove the hens and set them aside.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water if you prefer a lighter broth), and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Simmer The Soup
- Place the Cornish hens back into the pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour. The hens should be fully cooked, and the meat should fall off the bone easily.
Remove The Hens And Shred The Meat
- Carefully remove the hens from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
Optional: Add Rice Or Noodles
- If you prefer a heartier soup, stir in cooked rice or noodles at this point.
Season To Taste
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt and pepper to your liking.
Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.