Grilled Mexican Style Cornish Hens
Fire up your grill and dive into bold, smoky flavors with these Grilled Mexican-Style Cornish Hens! Perfectly spatchcocked for even cooking, these tender hens are infused with a zesty marinade featuring lime juice, garlic, and a vibrant blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Grilled to golden perfection, each bite is bursting with southwest-inspired flavor, complemented by a fresh sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of tangy lime. Ideal for summer barbecues or any occasion where you want a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Serve these juicy hens with sides like Mexican rice or grilled veggies for a meal that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Start by preparing the Cornish hens. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, spatchcock the hens by cutting along both sides of the backbone and removing it. Flip the hens breast side up and press down firmly to flatten them for even cooking.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
3. Place the hens in a large resealable plastic bag or a 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 for maximum flavor.
4. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the hens from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the hens on the grill breast side down and cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip the hens over and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
6. During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the hens lightly with any remaining marinade for extra flavor, but do not use marinade that has touched raw poultry unless boiled first.
7. Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Pair with your favorite side dishes like Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2459 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.8 g | 210% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.7 g | 208% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 750 mg | 250% | |
| Sodium | 1349 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.4 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 222.6 g | 445% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 260 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 17.6 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 2328 mg | 50% | |
*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.
