Grilled Cornish Hens

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Succulent Rock Cornish Hens grilled to perfection and basted with a sweet, tangy Plum Barbecue Sauce.
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Grilled Cornish Hens recipe image
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Grilled Cornish Hens

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 129.0

Description

These Grilled Cornish Hens offer a delightful balance of smoky char and sweet, fruity plum barbecue glaze. Rock Cornish hens are prized for their tender, fine-grained meat and manageable size, making them an elegant yet approachable choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Spatchcocked and grilled over medium coals, the skin becomes beautifully crisp while the meat stays juicy. The plum barbecue sauce adds a rich, slightly tangy depth that complements the natural flavor of the poultry. Whether you prefer the outdoor convenience of grilling or the ease of roasting in the oven, this dish delivers a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss. Serve with simple roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to let the hens shine.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat or preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175°C).
  2. Pat the Rock Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Using kitchen shears, cut each hen in half lengthwise through the breastbone to spatchcock them.
  3. For Grilling: Place the hens bone-side down on the grill grate, about 5 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cover and grill for approximately 35 minutes.
  4. Flip the hens over. Brush generously with half of the Plum Barbecue Sauce. Continue grilling, turning and basting with the remaining sauce every 10 minutes, for another 25 to 35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. For Roasting: Place the halved hens bone-side down on a rack set inside a shallow roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 30 minutes.
  6. Brush the hens generously with the Plum Barbecue Sauce. Continue roasting uncovered, basting every 15 minutes, for an additional 45 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce is caramelized.
  7. Heat any remaining sauce in a small saucepan until warm. Serve the hens immediately, drizzled with the warm sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 129.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.0g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 356.6mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 30.4g11%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g8%
Sugars 16.3g
Protein 2.7g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure the Cornish hens weigh approximately 1 1/4 lbs (560g) each for even cooking.

If grilling, monitor the coals to maintain a steady medium heat to avoid burning the sugary plum sauce.

The "Plum Barbecue Sauce" is referenced as a separate recipe (See Sowest 2). If unavailable, a high-quality store-bought plum or apricot barbecue sauce works well.

Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Keywords: barbecue, cornish hens, grilled chicken, plum sauce, rock cornish hens, grilling, roasting, mexican style, main course, summer grilling, glazed poultry, easy dinner, family meal, spatchcock, bbq sauce
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