Summer is upon us and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! I love grilling Cornish hens because not only do they cook faster than regular chickens because of their size, but it also results in juicy tender meat. So delicious! This recipe calls for butterflying or spatchcocking the hens which basically means you’re removing some bones so you can flatten the bird, so it cooks and browns evenly. The hens are then tossed in a quick marinade and then grilled to perfection. It couldn’t get any easier. If you’re looking for more ways to prepare Cornish hens then check out my recipes for Roasted Cornish Hens or Air Fryer Cornish Hens. You might also like my recipe for grilling a spatchcock chicken which uses a similar method to the one I use in this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What is spatchcocking/Butterflying?
Spatchcocking or butterflying is when the backbone of the chicken or hen is removed, and the two halves are flattened to create a ‘butterfly’ shape. Preparing the chicken in this way decreases the time it takes to grill and allows it to brown evenly. Don’t be intimidated by the spatchcocking method. It’s really quite easy. The bones of these tiny birds are soft and weak so they’re easy to cut through even with dull kitchen shears! Check out my step-by-step guide on how to spatchcock chicken for more tips on how to get it right every time! Once you try it a couple of times, you’ll be using this method all the time to quickly cook your chicken!
The Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make grilled cornish hens! Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Whole Cornish hens: These are often sold frozen and are a small variety of broiler chicken. Make sure to thaw the hens before preparing to grill. Marinade: Olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. You can vary the seasonings you use in the marinade. Choose what tastes good to you!
Making Grilled Cornish hens
In just a few easy steps, you’ll have perfect grilled hens in no time! Whether rain or shine, for these babies, it’s worth the time spent outdoors!
Recipe Tips
Follow these helpful tips to ensure the recipe turns out perfectly every time!
Avoid burning. Keep an eye on the hens as they are grilling. If it looks like they are beginning to burn, move them over to a cooler spot on the grill to continue cooking over indirect heat. Prevent sticking. Clean the grill grates and brush over some oil to prevent the chances of the skin of the hens sticking to the grill. Even cooking. Bring your hens to room temperature before grilling. Adding cold meat to a hot grill can sometimes lead the outside cooking too fast for the inside to catch up!
What to serve with Cornish hens
Serving these little chickens on special occasions is a nice change from the traditional fare. For Easter, for example, serve them with a side of Boursin mashed potatoes and broccoli casserole. Maybe even a low-carb parsnip purée. During the week I like to keep it simple with classic coleslaw, sautéed mushrooms and onions, roasted broccolini, a potato and vegetable bake, or a simple tossed green salad.
Storing Tips
Allow the hens to come to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They will last 3-4 days in the fridge. For a memorable meal, treat yourself and your guests to these grilled Cornish hens! Share this recipe with friends and family. They’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is! Don’t forget to pin this recipe to find later. © Little Sunny Kitchen
