Texas Style Game Hens
Transform your dinner table into a Southern-style feast with these irresistibly juicy Texas Style Game Hens. This recipe showcases perfectly roasted Cornish game hens infused with a smoky, bold spice rub featuring smoked paprika, cayenne, and ground cumin, balanced by a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. A drizzle of fresh lime juice adds a tangy finish that elevates every bite. Whether roasted to golden perfection in the oven or grilled outdoors for a hint of charred flavor, these game hens are a versatile showstopper. Ready in under 90 minutes and garnished with fresh cilantro, they pair beautifully with classic Texas sides like baked beans or creamy coleslaw. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals, this dish delivers big Texas flavor in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Cornish game hens
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set up your outdoor grill for indirect heat.
Rinse and pat dry the Cornish game hens with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.
Brush each game hen with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring even coverage over the entire surface of the skin.
Generously season the hens with the prepared spice rub, coating them evenly inside and out.
Place the game hens in a roasting pan or on a grill (if using a grill, make sure they are not placed over direct flames). If roasting, position them breast side up.
Drizzle fresh lime juice over the hens for a hint of tangy flavor.
If roasting, cook in the oven for 65-75 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). If grilling, maintain a medium-low temperature and rotate the hens occasionally while cooking to ensure even browning.
Remove the game hens from the oven or grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices are sealed in.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides like Texas-style baked beans or coleslaw.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4700 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 279.0 g | 358% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.2 g | 346% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1600 mg | 533% | |
| Sodium | 6154 mg | 268% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.0 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.9 g | ||
| Protein | 465.4 g | 931% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 441 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 31.2 mg | 173% | |
| Potassium | 5059 mg | 108% | |
*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.
