Best 8 Barbecued Cornish Hens Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Barbecued Cornish Hens, a culinary delight that promises a taste sensation like no other. These succulent birds, renowned for their tender meat and crispy skin, are meticulously prepared with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will captivate your palate. Perfectly suited for special occasions or intimate gatherings, Barbecued Cornish Hens offer a versatile canvas for culinary exploration.

Embark on a culinary journey with our meticulously curated collection of Barbecued Cornish Hen recipes. From the classic Southern-style rendition, infused with smoky and tangy barbecue sauce, to the zesty Lemon-Herb Cornish Hens, bursting with citrusy freshness, our recipes cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Discover the secrets to achieving perfectly crispy skin, juicy meat, and a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Whether you prefer a traditional charcoal grill or the convenience of a modern gas grill, our recipes provide detailed instructions for each cooking method, ensuring that you achieve mouthwatering results every time. Enhance your grilling experience with our expert tips on selecting the finest Cornish hens, preparing the marinade or rub, and mastering the art of grilling to achieve that perfect smoky flavor.

Prepare to impress your family and friends with these exceptional Barbecued Cornish Hen recipes. Say goodbye to bland and ordinary meals, and embrace the extraordinary flavors that await you.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

GRILLED CORNISH GAME HENS



Grilled Cornish Game Hens image

This recipe is great for summertime grilling. Game hens will melt in your mouth.

Provided by Suzanne

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Cornish Hen Recipes

Time 5h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

½ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 cup lemon juice
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon pepper
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon salt
4 (1 1/2 pound) Cornish game hens

Steps:

  • In a large, non-reactive bowl, mix onion, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, pepper, celery salt, and salt. Place Cornish game hens in the bowl, coating evenly with the marinade mixture. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil grate.
  • Cook hens about 1 hour on the prepared grill, brushing occasionally with remaining marinade, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 871 calories, Carbohydrate 8.5 g, Cholesterol 302.4 mg, Fat 69.2 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 52.1 g, SaturatedFat 15.4 g, Sodium 1124.2 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

BARBECUED GAME HEN



Barbecued Game Hen image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h13m

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 onion, diced
1 bottle apple cider vinegar
Barbecue sauce
3 Rock Cornish game hens
Olive oil
Barbecue dry rub
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 aluminum cans

Steps:

  • Combine onion, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce. Set aside.
  • Coat hens with oil, dry rub, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate overnight.
  • Cut aluminum cans in half. Fill cans with onion, vinegar, and barbecue sauce mixture. Place the cans on a hot grill, and set the hens on top of the cans. Grill for approximately 1 hour.
  • Brush lightly with barbecue sauce after 1 hour of cooking.

BARBECUED CORNISH HENS



Barbecued Cornish Hens image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 Cornish hens, about 3/4 pound each, split in half
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped fine
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter, if desired
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chervil

Steps:

  • With a meat pounder or mallet, pound the hens halves to flatten.
  • Combine the spices and the herbs, except the parsley. Blend well.
  • Rub the hens on both sides with the mixture and place them, skin sides down, on a large baking dish. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Preheat charcoal grill or oven broiler.
  • If charcoal broiling, place the hens, skin sides down, on the grill. When the skins are nicely browned, turn the hens and cook for about 15 minutes, brushing with the oil every 5 minutes. Then turn over onto the skin sides for about 5 minutes, or until done.
  • If using the oven broiler, lay the hens in a shallow baking dish. Place the dish about 5 inches from the source of heat. Cook for 10 minutes, brushing the hens with the oil. Turn the pieces and continue broiling for about 10 minutes more. Baste often until cooked through and browned.
  • Pour on melted butter if desired. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 495, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 827 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

TUSCAN GRILLED CORNISH HENS



Tuscan Grilled Cornish Hens image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 Cornish hens, flattened
Kosher salt
1/3 cup good olive oil
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, halved
Fleur de sel, for serving

Steps:

  • Sprinkle the Cornish hens with 1 teaspoon salt on each side.
  • Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a ceramic or glass dish just large enough to hold the flattened hens. Add the hens, and turn to coat. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning once or twice.
  • When ready to grill, prepare a hot charcoal fire on one side of a grill (or turn a gas grill on low heat). Spread 1/4 of the coals across the other side of the grill. Place the hens on the cooler side skin-side up and weigh them down with a gratin dish with a foil-wrapped brick inside.
  • Cook for 12 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Turn the hens skin-side down, weigh them down again, and cook for another 12 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the hens are cooked through.
  • Place the lemon halves on the cool side of the grill, cut-side down, for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove the Cornish hens and lemons to a plate or cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Cut the hens in half, sprinkle with fleur de sel, and serve with the grilled lemon halves.

BARBECUED CORNISH HENS



Barbecued Cornish Hens image

I came up with this recipe when I was just a teenager and have made it quite often since then. -Diane Widmer, Blue Island, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 Cornish game hens (20 to 24 ounces each)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Salt and pepper
1 cup ketchup
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons steak sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Steps:

  • Rub Cornish hens with butter; sprinkle salt and pepper inside cavity and over skin. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes., Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Baste hens with sauce. Bake 45 minutes longer or until juices run clear and a thermometer reads 180°, basting frequently.

Nutrition Facts :

ROTISSERIE BBQ CORNISH GAME HENS



Rotisserie BBQ Cornish Game Hens image

This is a recipe I use when I am in the mood for BBQ Cornish hens (or about a 3 pound chicken)without firing up my grill or smoker. I have one of those Toaster Ovens that have a rotisserie built into them. I simply rub the hens (or chicken) down with the rub, set the timer to 60 minutes and the temperature to Max and if I wanted to, walk away. But instead, I like to baste my birds so they turn out moist and flavorful. The combination of the rub (Very Spicy) and the "mop" (Very sweet) reminds me of a girl I once knew - oops! Another story!! The apple juice is a great addition to a mop because it is not an overpowering flavor, and adds sweetness to the meat. This recipe works well in a sprayer, but can also be brushed on. Shake well each time before spraying. Both the rub and the mop can be used on the grill (Gas or charcoal)

Provided by Witch Doctor

Categories     Whole Chicken

Time 2h

Yield 1-2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 Cornish hens (or one 3 pound chicken)
1/4 cup salt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white pepper
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon paprika (Hot Hungarian best)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon red pepper
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 cups apple juice
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup cider vinegar

Steps:

  • For a G.E. Countertop Oven with Rotisserie:.
  • Combine all the ingredients of the rub. Use on poultry: lightly brush bird with olive oil, then rub spice mixture over and under the skin. Let marinade for up to 12 hours.
  • Warning: Do Not reuse leftover rub or marinade after it has been applied to meat or poultry; it may contain harmful bacteria.
  • Use a baking twine to secure the bird(s) legs and wings to keep from flopping around as the rotisserie is turning.
  • Position a rotisserie fork at the opposite end of the spit from where the point is located and secure into position using the thumbscrews.
  • Thread the spit through the bird(s) cavity and secure the fork into the meat of the bird.
  • Place the second fork onto the spit and secure into the meat.
  • Insert the pointed end of the spit into the rotisserie motor and the other end into the support.
  • Place the drip pan in the oven in the lowest position to catch the drippings.
  • Turn the timer to the Stay on position (I set mine to 60 minutes then to 30 minutes so I have to check on the birds). Allow to cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • For the mop:.
  • Mix all ingredients in a pot, and heat over med/low for 20 minutes.
  • Let the mop cool before placing in a sprayer.
  • Moisten the birds by spraying the mop onto them about every 20 to 30 minutes during cooking.
  • Birds are done when juices run clear and the legs separate from the birds easily.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 3263.6, Fat 237.8, SaturatedFat 33, Cholesterol 435, Sodium 30161.1, Carbohydrate 184.5, Fiber 12.1, Sugar 132.1, Protein 102.4

GRILLED CORNISH HENS



Grilled Cornish Hens image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

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)

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the butter, onions, parsley, ginger, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. , Rub mixture under the skin and over the top of each game hen. Sprinkle remaining salt and pepper inside the hen cavities. , 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. , 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 : Calories 803 calories, Fat 60g fat (21g saturated fat), Cholesterol 381mg cholesterol, Sodium 855mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 60g protein.

BARBECUED VIETNAMESE 5-SPICE CORNISH GAME HENS



Barbecued Vietnamese 5-Spice Cornish Game Hens image

Make and share this Barbecued Vietnamese 5-Spice Cornish Game Hens recipe from Food.com.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     Poultry

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 (14 ounce) Cornish hens
4 garlic cloves
2 shallots (white part only) or 3 green onions (white part only)
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 1/2 tablespoons vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)
1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 garlic cloves
2 fresh chili peppers, preferably serrano
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • For Hens: Halve the hens through the breast. Flatten the breasts with the palm of your hand.
  • In a mortar or food processor, pound or mince the garlic, shallots and sugar. Add the salt, pepper, five-spice powder, fish sauce, soy sauce and sherry. Mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture over the hens. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Prepare a fire in a barbecue. Let the coals burn down to medium-hot. Set the hens skin-side down on the rack and grill over medium-hot coals for 15 minutes. Turn and grill for 15 minutes longer, or until they are thoroughly cooked and the skin is crisp and browned. Serve with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce.
  • For Dipping Sauce: In a mortar, pound the garlic, chile pepper and sugar into a paste. (Or blend in a food processor or blender.) Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the fish sauce, lime juice and water; stir to blend. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until ready to serve. Strain into dipping saucers. Yields about 3/4 cup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 532.1, Fat 13.4, SaturatedFat 3.4, Cholesterol 361.2, Sodium 2532.4, Carbohydrate 15.1, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 10.2, Protein 82.3

Tips:

  • Choose the right Cornish hens: Look for hens that are plump and have a healthy yellow color. Avoid hens that have any bruises or cuts.
  • Brine the hens: Brining the hens helps to keep them moist and flavorful. To brine the hens, dissolve 1/2 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in 1 gallon of water. Place the hens in the brine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.
  • Make the barbecue sauce: The barbecue sauce is a key component of this recipe. Be sure to use a sauce that you enjoy the taste of. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
  • Cook the hens over indirect heat: Cooking the hens over indirect heat helps to prevent them from drying out. To cook the hens over indirect heat, set up your grill for two-zone cooking. Place the hens on the side of the grill that is not directly over the coals.
  • Baste the hens frequently: Basting the hens helps to keep them moist and flavorful. Baste the hens every 15 minutes or so with the barbecue sauce.
  • Cook the hens until they are cooked through: The hens are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion:

Barbecue Cornish hens are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer cookout. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your hens are cooked perfectly and that they are full of flavor.

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