Grilled Cornish Game Hens: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Cornish game hens are a fantastic alternative to chicken, offering a more delicate flavor and presentation. Grilling them adds a smoky char that elevates the dish to a whole new level. This recipe provides a detailed guide to preparing and grilling Cornish game hens, ensuring a moist, flavorful, and impressive meal.
Why Choose Cornish Game Hens?
Cornish game hens are young, small chickens typically weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. They offer several advantages over regular chicken:
* **Individual Servings:** Their size makes them perfect for individual servings, simplifying portion control and presentation.
* **Tender and Juicy:** Due to their young age, Cornish game hens are incredibly tender and juicy, even when grilled.
* **Elegant Presentation:** They add an element of elegance to any meal, making them ideal for special occasions or dinner parties.
* **Faster Cooking Time:** Their smaller size translates to a shorter cooking time compared to a whole chicken, making them a convenient option for weeknight dinners.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients and equipment:
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Cornish game hens (thawed if frozen)
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
* Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
**Equipment:**
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Grill
* Grill brush
* Meat thermometer
* Tongs
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
Preparing the Cornish Game Hens
Proper preparation is key to ensuring the Cornish game hens are flavorful and cooked evenly.
**1. Thawing the Hens:**
If your Cornish game hens are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Do not thaw them at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth. For faster thawing, you can submerge them in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, but ensure they are in a sealed waterproof bag.
**2. Preparing the Marinade:**
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade will not only add flavor but also help to keep the hens moist during grilling.
**3. Marinating the Hens:**
Rinse the thawed Cornish game hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the hens in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. You can use your hands or a large spoon to distribute the marinade evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the hens to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
**4. Preparing the Grill:**
While the hens are marinating, prepare your grill. Clean the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any debris. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-205°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for indirect heat, meaning the coals are pushed to one side, leaving a cooler zone for slower cooking. This prevents the hens from burning before they are cooked through. If using a gas grill, preheat with all burners on medium, then reduce the heat on one or two burners to create a cooler zone.
Grilling the Cornish Game Hens
Now comes the exciting part: grilling the Cornish game hens to perfection.
**1. Removing from Marinade:**
Remove the marinated Cornish game hens from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before grilling. This will allow them to come closer to room temperature, promoting more even cooking. Discard the remaining marinade.
**2. Trussing (Optional):**
Trussing the hens, which means tying the legs together with kitchen twine, helps them cook more evenly and maintains a more appealing shape. While not strictly necessary, it is recommended. To truss, simply cross the legs and tie them together securely with twine.
**3. Grilling the Hens:**
Place the Cornish game hens on the grill, preferably on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). This is crucial for preventing the skin from burning before the interior is cooked. If using direct heat, watch them very closely and move them around as needed to avoid burning.
**4. Cooking Time and Temperature:**
Grill the hens for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) to check the temperature. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the hens and the temperature of your grill.
**5. Turning and Basting:**
Turn the hens every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Basting is optional, but you can baste the hens with a little olive oil or melted butter during the last 15 minutes of grilling to add extra moisture and flavor. Be careful not to add sugary basting sauces too early, as they can burn.
**6. Checking for Doneness:**
The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when you pierce the thigh with a fork. If the juices are still pink, continue grilling for a few more minutes and check again.
Resting and Serving
Resting is a crucial step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
**1. Resting the Hens:**
Once the hens are cooked through, remove them from the grill and place them on a cutting board. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. Do not skip this step!
**2. Carving (Optional):**
While not always necessary, you can carve the hens for a more elegant presentation. To carve, use a sharp knife to separate the legs and wings from the body. You can also split the breast in half.
**3. Serving Suggestions:**
Serve the grilled Cornish game hens immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Lemon wedges are also a nice touch. They pair well with a variety of side dishes, including:
* Roasted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts)
* Mashed potatoes
* Rice pilaf
* Quinoa salad
* Green salad
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** If you are grilling a large number of hens, it’s better to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill and lowering the temperature.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the hens are cooked to the proper internal temperature. Don’t rely solely on visual cues.
* **Control the Heat:** Maintaining a consistent medium heat is crucial for even cooking. Avoid grilling the hens over high heat, as this can cause them to burn on the outside before they are cooked through.
* **Indirect Heat is Your Friend:** Using indirect heat allows the hens to cook slowly and evenly, preventing them from drying out.
* **Let it Rest:** Resting the hens is essential for juicy and flavorful meat.
* **Experiment with Marinades:** Feel free to experiment with different marinades to create your own signature flavor. Consider using other herbs, spices, or citrus juices.
* **Brining:** For even more moisture, consider brining the hens for several hours before marinating. A simple brine can be made with salt, sugar, and water.
Variations and Additions
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to consider:
* **Spicy Grilled Cornish Game Hens:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
* **Honey Garlic Grilled Cornish Game Hens:** Substitute honey for some of the olive oil in the marinade and add extra garlic for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Herb Butter Basted Cornish Game Hens:** Make an herb butter with softened butter, chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage), and garlic. Baste the hens with the herb butter during the last 15 minutes of grilling.
* **Stuffed Cornish Game Hens:** Stuff the hens with rice pilaf, wild rice, or a breadcrumb stuffing before grilling. Secure the opening with kitchen twine.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Ideas
Grilled Cornish game hens are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Roasted Root Vegetables:** Toss root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, herbs, and spices, and roast them until tender and caramelized.
* **Creamy Mashed Potatoes:** A classic side dish that complements the richness of the hens.
* **Quinoa Salad:** A healthy and flavorful salad with quinoa, vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette.
* **Green Bean Almondine:** Green beans sautéed with butter and toasted almonds.
* **Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan:** Grilled or roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon juice and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A perfect summer side dish to accompany grilled hens. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
* **Caprese Salad:** Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
* **Caesar Salad:** A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled Cornish game hens, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or on the grill. Reheating on the grill can help to restore some of the smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per hen)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 0-5g (depending on marinade)
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the size of the hens and the ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Grilled Cornish game hens are a delicious and impressive dish that is surprisingly easy to make. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.