Grilled Mediterranean Cornish Game Hens
Elevate your grilling game with these succulent Grilled Mediterranean Cornish Game Hens, a show-stopping dish that’s as flavorful as it is impressive. Marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, these hens are infused with layers of aromatic goodness. Paprika and cumin add a smoky depth, while a perfectly crisped, golden skin seals in the juices. Grilled to perfection in under an hour, they’re finished with a garnish of fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright and beautiful presentation. Ideal for summer barbecues or a rustic dinner party, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to wow your guests. Perfect keywords: Mediterranean grilled chicken, Cornish game hens recipe, summer grilling recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish game hens
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh oregano (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 whole Lemon (sliced for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels and split each hen in half using kitchen shears or a sharp knife by cutting along the backbone.
In a large bowl, create the marinade by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Place the hens in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the marinade over the hens, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F/190-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the hens from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the hens skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2590 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 167.7 g | 215% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.0 g | 195% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 800 mg | 267% | |
| Sodium | 1898 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.7 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 233.2 g | 466% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 275 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2569 mg | 55% | |
*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.
