Cornish game hens are not game birds, and they are not necessarily hens; they are young chickens and might be male or female. The birds are usually about 5 to 6 weeks of age and generally weigh approximately 1 1/2 pounds or less. Cornish game hens were first developed in the mid-1950s, and quickly became a popular family menu item. One game hen per person is the general rule, but it depends on the size of the bird. A small 1 1/4-ounce hen will serve one, but a larger 2-pound bird will have enough meatabout 10 to 12 ouncesfor two people. These cornish game hens are cooked in the slow cooker with a little chicken broth and lemon pepper. The recipe is simple, yet it is versatile as well. Tuck some herb butter under the skin if you like, or sprinkle them with a dash of garlic powder along with the lemon pepper. For crispier skin, place them under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
