Hey there, foodie folks! Get ready to have your taste buds tickled with this incredible recipe for Grilled Cornish Game Hens. These little hens are so adorable and delicious, it’ll make you wanna do a happy dance in the kitchen!
Grilled Cornish Game Hens
Ingredients:
- 4 Cornish game hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the Cornish game hens dry with paper towels and place them in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the hens, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the hens to ensure they are well coated.
- Allow the hens to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the hens from the marinade, allowing any excess oil to drip off.
- Place the hens on the grill, breast-side down, and grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to prepare:
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure! Start by preheating your grill and getting it nice and hot. While that’s happening, mix together a delightful marinade starring olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Now, it’s time to give those adorable Cornish game hens a spa treatment. Pat them dry with some trusty paper towels, pop them into a resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade all over them. Seal the bag and give those hens a lovely massage, ensuring that they are coated in the flavorful blend.
Time to let the hens relax and marinade in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Trust us, the longer they soak in that delectable concoction, the better they’ll taste! Once the marinating time is up, fire up the grill and oil those grates to ensure the birds don’t stick. Remove the hens from the bag, allowing any excess oil to drip off, and place them on the hot grill, breast-side down.
Grill these little gems for about 10-12 minutes per side, making sure the internal temperature reaches a safe and delicious 165°F (74°C). Oh, the aroma that will waft through the air as these hens transform into perfectly grilled delights will have your neighbors drooling with envy!
Now that the hens are looking golden and irresistible, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows all those marvelous juices to redistribute and intensify the flavor. You can now proudly present your stunning Grilled Cornish Game Hens and watch as your dinner guests’ eyes widen with anticipation!
Preparation time: 2 hours (marinating time) + 25 minutes (grilling time)
Servings:
This fabulous recipe serves 4 people, so gather your loved ones around the table and prepare for a feast fit for royalty!
Nutrition Facts:
As much as we adore indulging in delicious food, we also believe in being mindful of what we consume. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value of these Grilled Cornish Game Hens:
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Protein: 49g
Tips:
1. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the marinade.
2. Serve these grilled hens with a side of roasted vegetables and a fresh salad for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
3. If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also prepare these hens in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake them for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
FAQs:
Q: Can I use regular chicken instead of Cornish game hens?
A: Absolutely! While the small and tender Cornish game hens are perfect for individual servings, you can easily substitute them with chicken if you prefer.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover grilled hens?
A: Yes, you can! Once the hens have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw and reheat them thoroughly before enjoying.
Now that you have the recipe for Grilled Cornish Game Hens, it’s time to get your grill fired up and create some mouthwatering memories. Gather your loved ones, embrace the delightful flavors, and let the laughter and good times unfold. Happy grilling!
