Flattened Cornish Game Hens with Garlic-Citrus Marinade
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
This Flattened Cornish Game Hens with Garlic-Citrus Marinade recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a delightful weekday meal. The combination of garlic, fresh thyme, citrus zest, and honey creates a wonderfully fragrant marinade that infuses the hens with a delicious, balanced flavor. Served alongside stir-fried summer squash, a fresh salad, and warm French bread, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Adapted from Bon Appetit, this recipe is a true showstopper.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh thyme (chopped) | 4 sprigs |
| Fresh thyme (whole sprigs for garnish) | 2 sprigs |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Lemons (zest) | 2 |
| Limes (zest) | 1 |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cornish game hens (whole) | 2 hens |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 464 kcal |
| Fat | 36.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 168.3 mg |
| Sodium | 373.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 28.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Grill:
- Begin by preheating your barbecue to medium heat. This ensures that your game hens cook evenly and achieve a beautiful char on the outside, while staying moist and tender inside.
-
Make the Marinade:
- In a medium-sized baking dish, combine olive oil, fresh thyme (chopped), minced garlic, lemon zest, lime zest, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until the marinade is well blended. This aromatic mixture will soak into the hens, infusing them with wonderful flavors.
-
Flatten the Hens:
- Take the Cornish game hens and place them on a clean work surface. Cover the hens with a layer of plastic wrap to prevent any splatter. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the hens to flatten them slightly. This step ensures even cooking, allowing the marinade to penetrate the meat thoroughly while helping the hens cook faster on the grill.
-
Marinate the Hens:
- Place the flattened hens in the baking dish with the prepared marinade. Using your fingers, rub the marinade over both sides of each hen to ensure they are well coated. Let the hens marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature. This short marination time allows the citrus and herbs to work their magic without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the poultry.
-
Grill the Hens:
- Transfer the marinated hens to the preheated grill. Grill the hens for about 12 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and the skin is lightly charred. Brush the hens with any remaining marinade as they cook to enhance the flavor and help the hens stay moist.
-
Serve and Garnish:
- Once the hens are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill and place them on serving plates. Garnish with lemon wedges, lime wedges, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme for a visually stunning and aromatic touch. These garnishes not only add freshness to the dish but also offer a zesty flavor that complements the grilled hens perfectly.
Serving Suggestions:
To complete this meal, serve your Flattened Cornish Game Hens with Garlic-Citrus Marinade with a side of stir-fried summer squash, a refreshing green salad, and some freshly baked French bread. The simplicity of the sides allows the flavor of the main dish to shine while offering a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Additional Tips:
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can easily be adapted for the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the marinated hens for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
- For a smokier flavor, try adding some wood chips to your grill, or consider grilling the hens over indirect heat.
- You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy Cornish game hens with the bright zest of citrus and the herbal fragrance of fresh thyme. Whether it’s a casual weekday dinner or an elegant dinner party, this recipe will surely impress your guests and family alike!
