Grilled Cornish Hens
Grilled Cornish hens are a delightful dish that transforms any gathering into a culinary celebration. Marinated to perfection and grilled to achieve crispy skin, these tender hens are bursting with flavor. Ideal for both special occasions and casual weeknight dinners, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them alongside seasonal vegetables or your favorite sides for a truly memorable meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Cornish hens (1–2 lbs each)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the cleaned Cornish hens in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure they are well coated and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Grill the hens breast-side down for 15-20 minutes until marked and slightly charred.
- Flip carefully using tongs; baste with leftover marinade and cook for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from grill and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cornish hen (approximately 700g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For varied flavors, try adding citrus juices or different herbs to the marinade. Ensure even cooking by grilling over indirect heat after initial browning.