grilled cornish hen recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best grilled cornish hen recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – a delicious grilled Cornish hen recipe! This dish has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.

The Cornish hen is a type of poultry that originated in the United Kingdom, and it’s known for its tender meat and rich flavor. When I first tried grilled Cornish hen, I was blown away by its juicy texture and the way the flavors just melted together.

It’s the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday or birthday party. My kids love helping me prepare the hen by rubbing it with herbs and spices, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw the hen on the grill, let it cook for about 45 minutes, and voila! You’ll have a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.

Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other fried or baked chicken dishes. I like to serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad to round out the meal.

My family always looks forward to this dish, and I’m sure yours will too!

Grilled Cornish Hen with Herb Butter

4.9 from 1589 votes

A succulent Cornish hen marinated in a fragrant herb butter and grilled to golden perfection. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays juicy and tender.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Hen

2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Herb Butter

4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp lemon zest

👨‍🍳Directions

1Prepare the grill for medium-high heat, aiming for 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2While the grill heats, pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels and season inside and out with salt and black pepper.
3In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and lemon zest.
4Mix until well blended, then gently loosen the skin over the breast of each hen and spread the herb butter directly onto the meat.
5Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips behind the back.
6Place the hens breast side up on the grill grates, close the lid, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
7Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
8The internal temperature should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9If not, continue grilling for another 5 minutes and recheck.
10Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes.
11This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
12Cut each hen in half along the breastbone and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Grill
Small bowl
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Kitchen twine
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 1g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 46g

📝Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to the grill. You can also substitute dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, using half the amount. Letting the hens rest after grilling is crucial for juiciness.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Cornish Hen with Herb Butter Works

This grilled Cornish hen recipe is always a crowd-pleaser in my household.

It’s so easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – just olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs!

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it on its own with some roasted vegetables or pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Cornish Hen with Herb Butter

Q: What is a Cornish hen?

A Cornish hen is a type of poultry that originated in Cornwall, England. It’s known for its tender meat and rich flavor.

Q: How do I prepare the Cornish hen for grilling?

To prepare the Cornish hen for grilling, you’ll need to remove the giblets and pat dry the cavity with paper towels. Rub the hen all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs (such as thyme or rosemary). Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.

Q: How long does it take to grill a Cornish hen?

The cooking time will depend on your grill’s temperature and heat level. As a general rule of thumb, grill the hen over medium heat for about 45 minutes per pound. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: Can I cook the Cornish hen indoors?

Yes, you can cook the Cornish hen indoors using your oven or broiler pan. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your broiler pan to high heat. Follow the same preparation steps as above and cook for about 20-25 minutes per pound.

Q: Can I serve leftovers from last night’s dinner?

No, unfortunately not. While leftover cooked chicken is safe to eat within three days of initial cooking, raw chicken can harbor bacteria like Salmonella. Make sure to handle raw chicken safely and cook it thoroughly before serving.

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