Instant Pot Mini - Cornish Game Hen

Step 1

Dry the game hen with paper towels.

Step 2

Rub the outside, and under the skin with butter.

Step 3

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder. Be sure to get some seasoning inside the cavity.

Step 4

Stuff the cavity of the game hen loosely with half of the lemon wedges, and the sprig of rosemary, if using.

Step 5

Turn on the Sauté function. When display reads “Hot” add the oil.

Step 6

Place the game hen in the pot, breast side down and let it cook for about 3 minutes undisturbed. Then use tongs to flip it over and brown the other side for 3 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the game hen to a plate and add the onion slices to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot to get the brown bits up.

Step 8

Add the water and stir.

Step 9

Place the game hen back in the pot with the breast side up.

Step 10

Toss in the potatoes, if using.

Step 11

Cancel the Sauté function.

Step 12

Squeeze remaining half of the lemon wedges over the game hen and discard them.

Step 13

Place the lid on the pot and set the steam release knob to Sealing.

Step 14

Press the Manual (or Pressure Cook) Button, or dial on Ultra. Set time to 12 minutes using the + or - button.

Step 15

When cook cycle ends, let pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then manually release any remaining pressure by turning the knob to Venting (there may not be any pressure left, and that's okay).

Step 16

When the pin in the lid drops, it is safe to open the lid. Open and take out game hen with tongs and place on a baking sheet (if you are going to broil to crisp up the skin), or a plate (if not broiling).

Step 17

Turn on your broiler to 400 degrees (F) and broil the game hen until desired browning occurs.

Step 18

If you are not going to brown it, serve immediately.

Step 19

If you want to make gravy with the drippings, turn the pot on to Sauté again. If you don't want the onion slices in your gravy, use a slotted spoon to remove them.

Step 20

Mix the flour and butter together to form a soft paste. You may need to microwave it just 5-10 seconds to soften it. Add to the simmering drippings and stir well until the gravy thickens. Turn off the pot and serve over the game hen and potatoes (if using).