Caribbean Game Hens
Bring the vibrant flavors of the tropics to your table with this Caribbean Game Hens recipe—a perfect combination of succulent, oven-roasted Cornish game hens and bold, aromatic seasonings. Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, fresh ginger, and a hint of fiery Scotch bonnet pepper, these game hens are infused with warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, balanced with a touch of brown sugar. The result is tender, juicy meat with a tantalizing mix of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast, this recipe is a show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a tropical-inspired weeknight meal, these game hens will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Cornish game hens
- 0.25 cup Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
- 1 piece Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon Thyme leaves, fresh
- 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 pieces Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the Cornish game hens thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the marinade by combining the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet pepper (if using), thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the marinade generously all over the game hens, making sure to coat the insides as well. Cover the hens and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the game hens on a roasting pan or baking dish, breast side up. Pour any remaining marinade over the hens.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thighs reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the hens every 20 minutes with the pan juices to keep them moist and flavorful.
Once cooked, remove the hens from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1101 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.1 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 400 mg | 133% | |
| Sodium | 839 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.5 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 115.3 g | 231% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 110 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1251 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
