Grilled Cornish Hens with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

Crispy grilled Cornish game hens topped with bright chimichurri deliver bold flavor and elegant presentation.

Grilled Cornish game hens make an impressive and flavorful meal for outdoor barbecues or indoor grills. Their small size makes them ideal for individual servings, so they’re perfect for dinner parties or family meals. With tender meat and a rich savory taste, these hens pair beautifully with a vibrant chimichurri sauce for a balanced, satisfying dish.

What is a Cornish game hen?

Cornish game hens are a cross between Cornish and White Rock breeds. They’re prized for tender meat and a compact size that cooks quickly and presents well. While often thought of as a special-occasion item, they are straightforward to prepare and can be a great alternative to a whole chicken when you want individual portions without fuss.

For the best results, choose fresh birds when possible and look for hens raised on a natural diet without added hormones or antibiotics. Fresh, high-quality poultry will yield juicier meat and better texture than thawed, previously frozen birds.

Making the chimichurri

Chimichurri is simple and quick to prepare. Its base of olive oil and vinegar combined with fresh herbs and garlic complements poultry, fish, and beef. You can chop the ingredients by hand, but a quick pulse in a food processor speeds the job and creates a nicely textured sauce.

Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, chopped cilantro and parsley (or oregano if preferred), kosher salt, and black pepper. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can use chimichurri immediately, but letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and intensify.

Grilled Cornish game hen with chimichurri

Spatchcocking the hens — removing the backbone so they lay flat — helps them cook evenly on the grill, though it’s optional. Pat the birds dry, rub with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Because chimichurri is flavorful, minimal additional seasoning is needed.

Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the hens breast-side up and grill, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Aim for about 10–12 minutes per side as a guideline, but use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness.

When the hens reach about 150°F, spoon chimichurri over both sides and continue grilling, flipping as needed and basting with a little more sauce if desired. Once the breasts hit 165°F, remove the hens from the grill and let them rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve the rested hens with your preferred sides — roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad all work well. The chimichurri adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lifts the richness of the meat.

Grilled Cornish game hens are not only delicious but also a relatively healthy option: they’re low in fat and calories and provide a good source of protein and essential nutrients. They’re naturally suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets, making them a versatile choice for many dietary needs.

You can adapt this recipe by marinating the hens in citrus or spicy barbecue flavors, or by stuffing them with herb-and-breadcrumb mixtures for a different twist. The grilling method and chimichurri, however, remain a reliably flavorful combination.

Print