Grilled Cornish Hens
Grilled Cornish hens are a show-stopping dish that combines tender, juicy meat with smoky flavors and a hint of herbs. Perfect for any occasion, these flavorful birds create unforgettable memories around the dining table. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or an intimate dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and delight their taste buds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Cornish hens in the mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
- Place the hens on the grill breast-side down for 15 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook for another 15 minutes.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from the grill. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 half Cornish hen (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different spice blends or marinades such as zesty lemon herb or spicy barbecue. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; reheat gently in the oven.