cornish game hen on the grill recipe

The Best cornish game hen on the grill recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Cornish game hen on the grill recipe! I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The game hens are small, juicy birds that are perfect for grilling.

They have a rich, meaty flavor that’s similar to chicken, but with a slightly sweeter taste. I love how easy they are to cook and how versatile they are – you can serve them with just about any side dish or sauce. I first discovered Cornish game hens at a local farmer’s market.

I was immediately drawn to their compact size and the way they seemed to be staring back at me (don’t worry, they’re not as intimidating as they look!) I bought one and took it home, where I promptly lost the recipe I found online. Luckily, I was able to find another recipe that worked even better.

As for why my family loves this recipe so much, it’s simple: everyone gets their own little bird! It’s a fun twist on traditional roasted chicken or turkey. Plus, the flavor is so rich and satisfying that even picky eaters will love it.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You can prep the hens in just a few minutes, and then let the grill do all the work for you. The result is a deliciously charred bird that’s full of flavor.

Grilled Cornish Game Hen

4.6 from 1953 votes

A succulent Cornish game hen marinated in herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. The skin becomes crispy while the meat stays juicy and tender.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

2 Cornish game hens, halved
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2Add the halved game hens and coat thoroughly.
3Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
5Place the hens skin-side down on the grill grates.
6Cook for 10 minutes without moving to develop a crispy, golden-brown skin.
7Flip the hens using tongs and reduce heat to medium, about 350°F.
8Continue grilling for another 15 to 20 minutes, basting occasionally with leftover marinade.
9The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and juices run clear.
10Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.

🔧Equipment

Grill
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Basting brush
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 170mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add wood chips like hickory or apple to the grill for a smoky taste. Ensure the grill is clean and oiled to prevent sticking.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Cornish Game Hen Works

This Cornish game hen on the grill recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it feels special without being complicated. I love serving these at family gatherings because everyone gets their own little bird, and they always look so pretty on the plate.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, or you can shred the meat and use it in tacos or salads.

You can also serve these hens with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Cornish Game Hen

Q: What is a Cornish game hen?

A Cornish game hen is a small domesticated bird that is raised specifically for cooking. They are similar in size and taste to chicken but have a slightly sweeter flavor.

Q: What are the benefits of grilling Cornish game hens?

Grilling Cornish game hens helps to lock in their natural flavors and adds a nice char to the outside of the bird. This method also makes them easier to cook through than other methods.

Q: Can I substitute other types of birds for Cornish game hens?

No, you cannot substitute other types of birds for Cornish game hens due to their unique size and flavor profile.

Q: How do I know when my Cornish game hen is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the bird should reach 165°F (74°C) when cooked through.

Q: Can I store leftover Cornish game hen in the refrigerator or freezer?

Yes, leftover Cornish game hen can be stored in an airtight container in either the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

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