Name: Rotisserie Grilled Cornish Hens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Ingredients: 3 whole Cornish hens; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal); 1 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper; 1 tbsp granulated garlic; 1½ tbsp dried rosemary; 1 tbsp dried thyme; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Looking for the best way to cook Cornish hens? Fire up the grill and let your rotisserie do the work. These rotisserie grilled Cornish hens are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make rotisserie grilled Cornish hens that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll have a great time doing it.

I always say, there’s just something primal about watching your dinner spinning over a fire.

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What Is A Cornish Hen?

What is a Cornish hen (sometimes called a Cornish game hen)? These birds are a cross between Cornish and White Rock chickens.

They usually weigh around one or two pounds, because they’re harvested at about five to six weeks of age.

cooked cornish hens on a cutting board with beans and greens

The term “hen” is a bit misleading because they can be either male or female. With either gender, the meat is super tender, and the birds cook quickly.

Because they’re small, Cornish hens soak up seasoning and smoke like a sponge, which makes them great for outdoor cooking.

There’s plenty of ways to cook these birds, but rotisserie grilled Cornish hens are top shelf and definitely my preferred method.

Cornish hens cut into pieces with a green sauce on them

Gas, Wood, or Charcoal?

When grilling Cornish hens on a rotisserie, your fuel choice matters.

Gas / Infrared: It’s easy to light and control, making it the most convenient of the three. It’s great for beginners. You’ll get consistent heat but not a lot of smokey flavor.

Charcoal: Gives you that classic grilled taste. It’s hotter, and smokier than gas, and adds more depth to the Cornish hens. Downsides? It takes longer to set up and there’s some clean up involved.

Wood Fire: Wood brings the most flavor. Think campfire vibes with a smokey punch. Wood can be tricky to manage for a beginner, and it’s not great if you’re short on time.

No matter what you use: gas, wood, or charcoal – you’ll still get juicy, golden-brown birds that are going to be amazing. Just match your grill style to what YOU’RE most comfortable with.

Tap Images Below For Sides You’ll Love w/ Cornish Hens

Mexican street corn on a plate — Fire Grilled Corn

bowl of roasted green beans with pine nuts — Fire Grilled Corn

Cornish Hens FAQ:

How much does one Cornish hen feed? One hen usually feeds one hungry adult. If you’re serving sides, you might stretch one hen for two.

Can you grill Cornish hens on a rotisserie? Absolutely. Rotisserie grilled Cornish hens cook evenly and get that crispy skin everyone loves.

How long do you cook Cornish hens on the grill? About 45 minutes to an hour over indirect heat, depending on the size.

Should I marinate Cornish hens before grilling? Yep. A good marinade adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy on the grill.

Best seasoning for Cornish hens? Salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and a little smoke go a long way. Keep it simple and tasty. I love these pre-seasoned birds for their flavor and convenience if you’re short on time.

How To Make Rotisserie Grilled Cornish Hens

Serves: 3-6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 60 Mins

Ingredients
3 Cornish hens
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
1 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper
1 tbsp granulated garlic
1 ½ tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

Step 1: Coat the birds evenly with olive oil, mix the salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl and season the birds on all sides. Using butcher’s twin, tie the drumsticks together. Then, tuck the wings behind the body to keep them tight against the birds and place in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours.

Step 2: Light your grill. Set up the coals or wood to burn on one side. This should be away from where the rotisserie will spin.

Step 2: While the coals are heating, take the hens out of the refrigerator. Place them on the rotisserie spit, making sure they are held tightly together by the rotisserie forks. Pro Tip* When putting the forks on the rotisserie , try to get them around the flesh of the bird as opposed to piercing the skin. This will hold them in place, without them losing any juice from rotisserie forks.

uncooked seasoned Cornish hens on a rotisserie spit

Step 3: Coat the surface of the birds with remaining olive oil and put the spit into the rotisserie motor. Ensure the birds are spinning over indirect heat.

Cornish hens spinning on a rotisserie over a wood fire

Step 5: Allow the hens to spin for 60 minutes, or until they reach your desired internal temperature and the skin is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Cooked Cornish hens over a bed of hot coals on a rotisserie spit

Step 6: Using heat resistant gloves, remove the spit from the grill, and allow the hens to rest for 5-7 minutes before removing them from the spit.

rotisserie grilled Cornish hens on a cutting board with corn and beans

Step 7: Serve the hens whole, or cut in half.