Grilled Cornish Hens

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Grill: 50 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
I like experimenting with different foods and adapting them to my own tastes. These hens are one of my specialties, an entree I concocted by combining a few different recipes. The moist meat has a pleasant grilled flavor that's accented with cloves and ginger.—David Baruch, Weston, Florida

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh gingerroot
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, onions, parsley, ginger, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  2. Rub mixture under the skin and over the top of each game hen. Sprinkle remaining salt and pepper inside the hen cavities.
  3. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan.
  4. Place hens breast side up over drip pan; grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 45-60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 180° and the meat juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 803 calories, 60g fat (21g saturated fat), 381mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 60g protein.