How To Grill Cornish Hens On A Gas Grill

Grilling cornish hens on a gas grill can be a delicious and impressive way to prepare a meal for your family or guests. With the right technique, you can achieve tender, juicy hens with a flavorful, crispy skin. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grill cornish hens to perfection on your gas grill.

Preparing the Cornish Hens

Before you start grilling, it’s important to properly prepare the cornish hens. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Thaw the hens: If your hens are frozen, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before grilling.
• Clean the hens: Rinse the hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season the hens: Rub the hens with your favorite seasoning blend, such as a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to help the seasoning stick to the skin.
• Truss the hens: Use kitchen twine to truss the hens, which will help them cook more evenly on the grill.

Preheating the Gas Grill

Now that your hens are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to preheat your gas grill.

• Clean the grill grates: Use a grill brush to clean the grates and remove any leftover food particles.
• Preheat the grill: Turn on the gas and preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-205°C).
• Oil the grates: Use tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in oil to grease the grill grates, which will help prevent the hens from sticking.

Grilling the Cornish Hens

Once the grill is preheated, it’s time to start grilling the cornish hens.

• Place the hens on the grill: Carefully place the hens on the preheated grill grates, breast side up.
• Cook with indirect heat: Close the grill lid and cook the hens using indirect heat. This means turning off the burners directly under the hens and keeping the other burners on. This will help prevent the hens from cooking too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside.
• Flip the hens: After about 25-30 minutes, carefully flip the hens using tongs. Continue grilling for another 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the hens.

Resting and Serving the Hens

Once the hens are fully cooked, it’s important to let them rest before serving.

• Rest the hens: Remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Serve the hens: After resting, carefully remove the kitchen twine from the hens and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sides.

Grilling cornish hens on a gas grill is a wonderful way to create a memorable meal for your loved ones. With these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly grilled hens that are sure to impress. So fire up your gas grill and give this delicious recipe a try!