Cornish Hens with Jerk Rub, Classic is the best
Cornish Hens with Jerk Rub. ornish hens are so easy to prepare on the grill. All you need is a good pair of poultry shears for cutting down the backbone of the hen and then carefully opening it to lie flat to resemble a butterfly.
The second most important necessity is a good rub, especially this one that adds an irresistible zip.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Splenda or other artificial sweetener
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon (or less) cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 Cornish hens (20 ounces each), butterflied
Details
Serves: 4
EACH SERVING PROVIDES
4g carbohydrates
442 calories
49g protein
25g fat
1g dietary fiber
1033mg sodium
156mg cholesterol
Method
Step 1
To make the Jerk Rub, combine all the ingredients except the hens in a small covered jar and blend well.
Step 2
Place the Cornish hens in a large nonreactive dish. Spread the rub on both sides of the hens.
Cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Step 3
To prepare the Cornish hens, place them on a grill coated with a nonstick vegetable spray over medium-hot coals.
Cover the grill and cook, turning the hens frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer placed in the thickest part of the thigh registers 180 degrees F.
Step 4
To serve, cut each hen into two servings and place each one on a dinner plate.
VARIATION
To prepare the Cornish hens in the oven : Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with a non-stick vegetable spray, and place the hens on the prepared sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer placed in the thickest part of the thigh registers 180 degrees F.