Grilled game hens are a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. Chef John's recipe for grilled game hens is a simple and flavorful way to prepare these tiny birds, and the results are sure to impress your guests.
Game hens, also known as poussins, are young chickens that are typically around 4-6 weeks old and weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. They are prized for their tender and flavorful meat, and their small size makes them perfect ...
Grilled game hens are a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. Chef John's recipe for grilled game hens is a simple and flavorful way to prepare these tiny birds, and the results are sure to impress your guests.
Game hens, also known as poussins, are young chickens that are typically around 4-6 weeks old and weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. They are prized for their tender and flavorful meat, and their small size makes them perfect for grilling. Chef John's recipe uses a simple marinade and a hot grill to create moist, flavorful game hens with crispy, golden-brown skin.
The marinade for these grilled game hens is a combination of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a mix of herbs and spices. The hens are marinated for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it. This marinade not only infuses the hens with delicious flavor, but it also helps to keep the meat moist and juicy as it cooks on the grill.
Chef John recommends spatchcocking the game hens before grilling them. This involves removing the backbone of the bird and flattening it out, which helps the hens cook more evenly and quickly on the grill. Spatchcocking also creates more surface area for the marinade to flavor the meat and for the skin to crisp up on the grill.
Once the game hens have been marinated and spatchcocked, they are ready to be grilled. Chef John recommends preheating the grill to medium-high heat and grilling the hens for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The high heat of the grill helps to create a crispy and golden-brown skin while locking in the juices of the meat.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a special dish to make at home, Chef John's grilled game hens are a show-stopping option that is sure to impress. The flavorful marinade, the crispy skin, and the tender, juicy meat make these grilled game hens a dish that you'll want to make again and again. So fire up the grill and give this recipe a try for your next special meal!