Grilled Cornish Hens Marinade

Juicy grilled Cornish hens are a summertime showstopper in my house Their savory marinade infuses every bite with an irresistible blend of honey soy ginger and a gentle smoky char making each serving perfect for both backyard BBQs and special dinners My family requests these flavorful little hens every time the weather warms up and they never fail to impress guests

The first time I made these hens for a summer potluck they disappeared faster than anything else on the grill Now it is the recipe everyone asks me to repeat

Ingredients

• Cornish hens: tender and quick cooking choose ones that feel plump and have healthy pink skin
• Soy sauce: deep savory base pick a naturally brewed option for cleaner flavor
• Vegetable oil: helps the marinade cling and prevents drying out high smoke point oils work best
• Honey: a touch of sweetness for caramelized edges use local honey for best flavor
• Ginger: adds a bright fresh zing fresh grated if possible gives more punch
• Vinegar: subtle tang for balance classic white or apple cider vinegar works
• Green onions: a mild onion bite and freshness look for vibrant green tops
• Garlic powder: brings warmth and complexity check for freshness so it is not clumpy
• Pepper: subtle heat and depth freshly cracked gives best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Butterfly the Hen:

Lay each Cornish hen backside up on a clean surface Use poultry shears to cut along both sides of the backbone Remove the backbone entirely then flip the hen breast side up Press firmly on the breastbone with the heel of your hand to flatten Now cut out the breastbone using the shears This makes for even grilling and easy serving

Mix the Marinade:

In a medium bowl whisk together soy sauce vegetable oil honey ginger vinegar green onions garlic powder and pepper Make sure the honey is completely dissolved and all ingredients look evenly blended

Marinate the Hens:

Place the halved hens into a large zip bag Add the marinade Seal tightly and massage the bag so the marinade coats every surface Set the bag in the refrigerator for at least four hours Turn the bag a few times if possible for thorough soaking

Preheat the Grill:

Clean your outdoor grill grates and oil them lightly Preheat the grill to low medium heat about 350 degrees if you have a thermometer

Grill the Hens:

Place hen halves skin side up on the grill Cook for five minutes with the lid closed Flip the pieces and grill for another five minutes carefully watching for flare ups Move the hens to the upper rack Close the lid and increase to medium high heat Continue grilling for about 15 minutes turning every five minutes The hens are done when juices run clear and the skin is deep golden Total grill time is about 25 minutes

Save

Grilling Cornish hens remains a cherished summer tradition in my family I love using ginger in the marinade because it adds such a bright unique flavor My little one likes to help whisk the marinade and claims this is their favorite chicken dish

Storage Tips

Leftover grilled Cornish hen keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days Place pieces in an airtight container and reheat gently so the meat stays juicy If you have extra marinade never reuse it unless you boil it for safety

Ingredient Substitutions

If Cornish hens are not available small bone in chicken breasts or thighs make a good swap You can use maple syrup instead of honey or substitute coconut aminos for a soy free option Fresh minced garlic and ginger elevate the flavors further

Serving Suggestions

Cornish hens impress served whole on a platter with colorful grilled vegetables or crisp salads For a casual meal slice the hens and fill pitas with fresh greens and creamy sauces Leftover meat is delicious in wraps or atop rice bowls

Cultural Tidbit

Cornish hens are prized for holidays and special dinners in the United States because their petite size feels festive They cook quickly compared to a regular chicken and soak up marinades beautifully making them a favorite for grill lovers

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I butterfly Cornish hens for grilling?

Use poultry shears to cut along the backbone, then flatten and remove the breastbone. This helps the hens cook evenly on the grill.

→ How long should Cornish hens marinate before grilling?

Marinate the hens for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

→ What grill temperature is best for Cornish hens?

Maintain your grill at about 350°F for even cooking and perfectly crisp skin without burning.

→ How can I check if the hens are cooked through?

Pierce the thickest part of the meat; juices should run clear and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

→ Can I use different marinades for Cornish hens?

Absolutely! Try using citrus, fresh herbs, or your favorite spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.