Barbecuing a Cornish game hen involves marinating or seasoning the bird, then grilling it over medium heat, turning occasionally until cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Craving something special for your next outdoor gathering? Perhaps you are thinking of grilling up something a bit different. Learning how to barbecue Cornish game hen is surprisingly easy, and it creates a flavorful and impressive dish.
These small birds are perfect for individual servings, making them ideal for both casual cookouts and more formal occasions. You will be amazed by how simple it is to achieve juicy, smoky perfection with just a few key steps. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious technique!
How to Barbecue Cornish Game Hen: A Step-by-Step Guide
Barbecuing Cornish game hen is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and elegant meal. These little birds are perfect for grilling because they cook relatively quickly and can absorb all those delicious smoky flavors. But how do you make sure they come out juicy and perfectly cooked every time? Let’s break it down step by step. We’ll cover everything from prepping your hens to choosing the right wood chips for that amazing smoky taste.
Choosing Your Cornish Game Hens
First things first, you need to pick the right hens. Look for ones that are about 1 to 1.5 pounds each. This size is ideal for a single serving, or you can grill a few for a family dinner. When choosing, check the packaging for any signs of damage or freezer burn. You want to make sure the hens are fresh and have a good, plump appearance. If you are buying them frozen, allow adequate time to fully thaw them in your refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Preparing Your Cornish Game Hens
Proper prep is key to a successful barbecue. Here’s what you need to do:
Rinsing and Drying
Start by rinsing the hens under cold water. This helps remove any packaging residue. After rinsing, pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial! Dry skin is what helps create that beautiful, crispy skin we all want when grilling.
Spatchcocking (Optional but Recommended)
Spatchcocking might sound fancy, but it’s just a technique that allows the hen to lay flat, helping it cook more evenly. It’s especially good for grilling. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the hen breast-side down on a cutting board.
- Using kitchen shears, cut along either side of the backbone to remove it completely.
- Flip the hen over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.
If you don’t want to spatchcock, you can leave the hen whole. It will just take a little longer to cook, and you will have to make sure to cook it through.
Brining for Extra Flavor and Moisture
A brine can make all the difference. It infuses the hen with flavor and keeps it super moist during grilling. Here’s a simple brine recipe:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: herbs like thyme or rosemary, sliced citrus
Combine these ingredients in a pot and heat until the salt and sugar dissolve. Let it cool completely before adding the hens. Submerge the hens in the brine and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours. Don’t brine longer than that as the meat will become too salty. After brining, remove the hens, rinse, and pat them dry again.
Seasoning Your Cornish Game Hens
Now for the fun part – seasoning! You can keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or you can get creative with your favorite herbs and spices. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic BBQ: Paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper.
- Herby Goodness: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
- Citrus Burst: Lemon zest, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, a pinch of cayenne.
Make sure to rub the seasoning all over the hens, including under the skin if you’re using a whole hen. You want to make sure every part gets that flavor.
Preparing Your Barbecue Grill
Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, getting it ready is essential. The main thing is to make sure the temperature is just right.
Charcoal Grill Setup
For charcoal, you’ll want to create a two-zone fire. This means piling the hot coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side free of direct heat. This way, you can cook the hens over indirect heat and prevent them from burning. Light your charcoal and wait for the coals to be covered with a layer of ash. This shows that they are at the proper temperature and are ready for cooking. Then, move them to one side of the grill.
Gas Grill Setup
For a gas grill, preheat it with all burners on medium-high. Once it’s hot, turn off one or two burners to create an area of indirect heat. This is similar to the two-zone fire for charcoal. Again, we want to cook our Cornish hen mostly by indirect heat.
Wood Chips for Smoke (Optional but Delicious)
If you want that amazing smoky flavor, add some wood chips to your grill. Here are some good options:
- Applewood: Gives a sweet and mild smoke. Great for poultry.
- Hickory: Adds a strong, bacon-like flavor. Use sparingly, especially with the delicate Cornish hens.
- Cherry: Provides a slightly sweet and fruity smoke. A good all-around choice.
- Pecan: Imparts a nutty and earthy flavor. Another good choice for poultry.
Soak your wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This helps them smolder and produce more smoke. For a charcoal grill, you can place the wet wood chips directly on the coals. For a gas grill, use a smoker box or a foil packet with holes poked in it, placed near one of the burners.
Grilling Your Cornish Game Hens
Now for the main event – cooking your Cornish game hens! Let’s get that grill going.
Placement on the Grill
Place the hens on the side of the grill that’s not directly over the heat. This is the indirect heat zone. If you have spatchcocked your hens, place them skin-side up. If you are cooking them whole, make sure the hens are placed so they will get even heat.
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time depends on the size of your hens and the heat of your grill. Here are some general guidelines. Generally, the internal temperature of the hen should reach 165 degrees F. Using a meat thermometer is very important to ensure the hen is fully cooked.
| Method | Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Indirect heat with spatchcocked hens | 350-375°F (175-190°C) | 40-50 minutes |
| Indirect heat with whole hens | 350-375°F (175-190°C) | 50-60 minutes |
Make sure to check on the hens regularly. If the skin starts to get too dark, move them to the cooler side of the grill or lower the heat.
Monitoring for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). Don’t rely on time alone; the temperature is the key to making sure they are safe to eat. If the hens are not cooked to 165 degrees F, place them back on the grill and check every few minutes.
Optional: Searing for Extra Crispness
Once the hens are almost done, you can move them to the direct heat side of the grill for a few minutes per side to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye on them, so they don’t burn. This step is optional but really does add a great finish.
Basting (Optional)
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, you can baste the hens with a barbecue sauce or herb butter. This helps them to stay moist and creates an even more flavorful skin. Use a basting brush to coat the hens. If basting, do it in the last 15 minutes so the sauce or butter does not burn.
Resting Your Cornish Game Hens
Once the hens are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more moist and tender. Do not skip this step, as it is crucial for getting the best possible results. You can cover them loosely with foil while resting to keep them warm.
Serving Your Cornish Game Hens
Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Cornish game hens are great served whole, or you can cut them in half or quarters. Serve them alongside your favorite sides. Here are some popular side dish ideas:
- Grilled vegetables (corn, asparagus, bell peppers)
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- Fresh green salad
- Cornbread or biscuits
Enjoy your perfectly barbecued Cornish game hens! With these steps, you’ll be able to consistently cook up juicy, flavorful birds every time.
Barbecuing Cornish game hens is a simple skill to learn, but it offers a gourmet result. With these tips and techniques, you can barbecue a delicious and memorable meal that everyone will love. Remember to have fun, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and flavors.
Grilled Cornish Hens: A Delicious Recipe You Need To Try!
Final Thoughts
So, to barbecue cornish game hen, start by butterflying the hen. Season it generously with your favorite herbs and spices. Grill over medium heat, turning frequently, until cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to verify an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember to let the hen rest before carving. This keeps the juices in.
Enjoy this simple method for how to barbecue cornish game hen. The result is tender, delicious, and perfectly grilled poultry.
