Description
Grilled Cornish hens are a deliciously impressive dish perfect for any occasion. With juicy, tender meat and crispy skin infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for backyard barbecues or festive gatherings, these flavorful hens create unforgettable memories around the dining table. Follow this easy guide to prepare a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 whole Cornish game hens (1.25 to 1.5 lbs each), thawed
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large fresh lemons (1 juiced/zested, 1 halved for grilling)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pure clover honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Spatchcock Hens: Cut along both sides of backbone with poultry shears and remove. Flip hens and press firmly on breastbone to flatten.
- Marinate: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, honey, and seasonings. Brush over hens and marinate 1 to 4 hours.
- Grill: Cook hens skin-side up over indirect grill heat (375°F-400°F) for 25 minutes. Move to direct heat skin-down for 5-7 minutes until charred and 165°F.
- Rest & Serve: Rest hens 10 minutes. Garnish platter with grilled lemon halves and rosemary sprigs, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 135mg