grilled cornish hen recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
grilled cornish hen recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best grilled cornish hen recipe

I’m so excited to share this delicious grilled Cornish hen recipe with you all! I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The Cornish hen is a small, tender bird that’s perfect for grilling, and when you season it with the right spices and herbs, it’s absolutely divine. My family loves it when I make this for dinner, and it’s also a great option for special occasions like holidays or gatherings with friends.

Plus, it’s a relatively healthy dish, as long as you don’t overdo it with the sauce. The key to making a great grilled Cornish hen is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcook it – you want it to be nice and juicy in the center. I like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad, and my kids love when I make them cornbread or biscuits to go along with it. It’s just one of those recipes that never gets old, and I know you’ll love it too once you try it out!

I’ve always been fascinated by the history of the Cornish hen – did you know that it originated in Cornwall, England? It was brought over to the United States by English immigrants who settled in the Northeast. Today, you can find Cornish hens in most supermarkets and butcher shops, but they’re still a bit of a specialty item. When I first started making this recipe, I had to search high and low for the perfect bird – but now they’re widely available and easy to find.

The flavor profile of the grilled Cornish hen is just amazing – it’s got a nice balance of savory spices and herbs that complement the rich flavor of the bird perfectly. When you take a bite, you get a nice combination of textures too – the crispy skin on the outside gives way to tender meat inside. And let’s not forget about the aroma – when you grill these birds outdoors, the smell of smoke and spices fills the air and makes everyone’s mouth water. As for me, I love how versatile this recipe is – I can make it for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

And because it’s relatively easy to prepare (just season and grill!) , even my kids can help out in the kitchen (with some close supervision, of course!) But what really sets this recipe apart is how well it pairs with different sides – whether you’re serving up some classic mashed potatoes or trying out something new like roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts.

Grilled Cornish Hen with Lemon Herb Marinade

Grilled Cornish Hen with Lemon Herb Marinade

4.8 from 1295 votes

This grilled Cornish hen recipe features a zesty lemon herb marinade, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with crispy skin. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cornish Hens

4 Cornish hens
1 lemon, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2Place Cornish hens in a large resealable bag or a non-reactive dish.
3Pour marinade over the hens, making sure they are well coated.
4Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
5Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
6This should take about 10-15 minutes.
7You should see a visible flame or heat waves coming from the grill grates.
8Place the hens on the grill, breast side down.
9Grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is nicely browned and crispy.
10Flip the hens over to the breast side using tongs, and grill for 10-12 minutes.
11Then, reduce the grill heat to medium, around 350°F.
12Continue grilling the hens for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a grill thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
13Be sure to avoid overcooking, as the meat can dry out.
14During the last 5 minutes of grilling, place lemon slices on the grill and cook until slightly charred.
15Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
16This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
17Serve the grilled Cornish hens with the charred lemon slices, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
18Pair with your favorite side dishes and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Basting brush
Grill
Grill thermometer
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: To ensure even cooking, consider butterflying the Cornish hens before grilling. This involves cutting the hen in half lengthwise, removing the backbone, and flattening the bird. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Cornish Hen with Lemon Herb Marinade Works

This recipe is always a hit at our family gatherings – my kids love helping out in the kitchen (even if they do end up getting underfoot!)

, and my husband appreciates how easy it is to prepare (no fussing around with complicated ingredients!)

For storage ideas though, keep those leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil at 40°F (4°C) or below; when reheating them later on just place them under low heat until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Cornish Hen with Lemon Herb Marinade

Q1: What is a Cornish hen?

A Cornish hen is a small breed of domesticated chicken that originated in Cornwall, England. It’s known for its tender meat and rich flavor.

Q2: How do I choose a good quality Cornish hen?

When selecting a Cornish hen, look for birds that are plump and have clear eyes. Make sure they’re fresh too – check for any visible signs of spoilage like mold or slime.

Q3: Can I use other types of chicken instead of Cornish hens?

No! While other chicken breeds might be similar in size or shape to Cornish hens, they won’t have quite the same flavor profile or texture.

Q4: Do I need any special equipment to grill these birds?

Nope! A standard grill will do just fine. If you have one with multiple burners or temperature controls though, that would be ideal.

Q5: How long does it take to cook a grilled Cornish hen?

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness – if you prefer your meat cooked through but still moist inside, aim for about 30-40 minutes per pound total cooking time.

Q6: Can I store leftover grilled Cornish hen in the fridge?

Sure thing! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts