Grilled Herbed Cornish Game Hens
Fire up the grill for these Grilled Herbed Cornish Game Hens, a showstopping main course that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for outdoor entertaining or an elegant dinner at home. These petite poultry delights are marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, and a pinch of paprika, creating a harmonious medley of earthy, citrusy, and savory notes. Flattened for even cooking and grilled to golden perfection, the hens boast irresistibly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. With minimal prep time and a fast cook time, this recipe is a time-efficient yet gourmet option that serves up to four. Pair these herbed game hens with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a beautifully balanced meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 whole Lemon
- 2 tablespoons Fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
Rinse the Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Split each hen down the backbone using kitchen shears and flatten them by pressing down firmly on the breastbone.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, juice of the lemon, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to form a marinade.
Place the hens in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the hens, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the hens from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
Place the hens on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 15-20 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
Remove the hens from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the grilled herbed Cornish game hens with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2560 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.7 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.8 g | 194% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 800 mg | 267% | |
| Sodium | 5433 mg | 236% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 232.3 g | 465% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 228 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 2493 mg | 53% | |
*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.
