Grilled Cornish Hens

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp lemon pepper
  • 2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 spatchcocked Cornish/Rock Game Hens
  • Bacon fat, melted
Grilled Cornish Hens

Photo: T.Tseng / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Procedure

  1. Combine all seasonings.
  2. Brush hens with bacon fat. Massage seasoning mixture into hens. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat a charcoal grill using a chimney.
  4. Place hens on the grill. Grill them, turning constantly, until internal temperature of both the thigh and breast reach 165°F.
  5. Remove hens from grill and let rest 10 minutes. Serve.

Notes, tips, and variations

  • Do not use a solvent with the charcoal grill. It gives the food a chemical taste even if you follow the directions.