In today’s post, we are going to share a delicious recipe for grilled Cornish hens. These succulent hens are seasoned to perfection and cooked using the butterfly technique, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish that will impress your guests. So let’s get started!
Grilled Cornish Hen Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 Cornish hens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Butterfly the Cornish hens by removing the backbone with kitchen scissors or a sharp knife.
4. Flatten the hens by pressing down on the breastbone with the palm of your hand.
5. Brush the hens generously with the garlic and herb mixture.
6. Place the hens on the preheated grill, skin side down.
7. Grill for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Prepare:
Preparing grilled Cornish hens is quite simple. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality Cornish hens for the best results. Once you have the ingredients ready, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the hens cook evenly and develop a beautiful flavor.
In a small bowl, prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors. This marinade will infuse the hens with a burst of aromatics and enhance the overall taste.
Next, it’s time to butterfly the Cornish hens. To do this, remove the backbone using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. This technique allows the hens to lay flat on the grill and cook more evenly. You can also flatten them by pressing down on the breastbone with the palm of your hand.
Once the hens are butterflied, generously brush them with the prepared marinade. Make sure to coat both sides and let the flavors penetrate the meat. This will result in a juicy and flavorful grilled Cornish hen.
Now, it’s time to grill the hens. Place them on the preheated grill, skin side down. Close the lid and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the hens are cooked thoroughly and safe to eat.
Once the hens are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and moist final dish.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this grilled Cornish hen recipe is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time it takes to gather and prepare the ingredients, as well as the time required for marinating and grilling the hens.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people. However, you can easily adjust the quantities based on your needs. Simply double or halve the ingredients to accommodate more or fewer guests.
Nutrition Facts:
While the exact nutrition facts may vary depending on the size of the hens and the specific ingredients used, grilled Cornish hens are generally a lean and healthy protein option. They are rich in protein and low in calories and fat. This makes them a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the hens rest after grilling. This allows the meat to retain its juices and results in a more flavorful and tender dish.
- Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to customize the flavor of your grilled Cornish hens. You can try adding herbs like rosemary or spices like cumin for a unique twist.
- Serve the hens with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and well-rounded meal.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the presentation. Garnish the hens with freshly chopped herbs or serve them on a bed of steamed rice for an elegant touch.
Now that you have the perfect recipe for grilled Cornish hens, it’s time to fire up the grill and impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. Enjoy!
