Grilled Cornish Hens

4 standard portions

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Ingredients

• 4 x 1 - 1.5 lb whole cornish hens (thawed)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Method

1. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and place the Cornish hens skin side down on a cutting board.
2. Using kitchen shears cut along one side of the backbone from the tail towards the neck. Cut along the other side of the backbone to remove it completely.
3. Turn the hen over and bend the legs so they face outward. Using two hands, press down firmly on the breast until you hear the breastbone cracking. Repeat with the remaining birds.
4. Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, parsley, salt, and pepper to a large bowl or large Ziploc bag and mix everything together. Add in the hens and use your hands to move everything around making sure they are coated well in the marinade.
5. Preheat half the grill to 350°F/180°C. Clean and oil the grilling grates to help prevent the birds from sticking.
6. Place the hens breast side up over the heat/coals and brush them with the remaining marinade. Cover and cook for 5 minutes then flip and cook for another 15-25 minutes.
7. Remove from the grill and serve.