Calabrian Marinated Game Hens

Name: Calabrian Marinated Game Hens
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 510 min
Total time: 540 min
Yield: 2 Portionen
Ingredients: 2 piece Cornish game hens; 1 cup white wine vinegar; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves; 2 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 4 clove garlic, peeled; 1 piece large egg; 1 tablespoon Calabrian hot chili sauce, or more to taste; 2 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1.5 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 piece anchovy fillet; salt

Main Course

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Cook Time

9 h

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Prep Time

30 Min

Description

These Calabrian marinated game hens are a delightful twist on classic grilled chicken. The marinade, bursting with the flavors of white wine vinegar, rosemary, orange juice, and a touch of Calabrian chili sauce, infuses the hens with a savory and slightly spicy taste. I've been making this recipe for years, and it's always a hit at summer barbecues. The marinade tenderizes the meat beautifully, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, these game hens are sure to impress. The preparation requires some marinating time, but the grilling process is relatively quick. Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients (12 ingredients)

2 piece Cornish game hens
1 cup white wine vinegar
0.5 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoon fresh orange juice
4 clove garlic, peeled
1 piece large egg
1 tablespoon Calabrian hot chili sauce, or more to taste
2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1.5 teaspoon kosher salt
1 piece anchovy fillet
salt

Preparation (9 steps)

Prepare the Game Hens

Lay a game hen breast-side down on a work surface; use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut the backbone out of game hen, cutting through each side of the bone from top to bottom. Remove the backbone. Use a sharp knife to slice through the cartilage of the breastbone. Flip game hen breast-side up, flatten bird lightly with your hands, and twist the wing tips underneath the wings. Repeat with remaining game hen.

Prepare the Marinade

Place 1 cup white wine vinegar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 4 cloves garlic (peeled), 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Calabrian hot chili sauce, 2 teaspoons grated orange zest, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 anchovy fillet into the Thermomix bowl.

Blend the Marinade

Thermomix® Setting

20 sec/Speed 8

Pulse several times to combine; blend until marinade is smooth and creamy. Set the Thermomix to 20 Sec./Stufe 8.

Marinate the Game Hens

Place game hens into a resealable heavy plastic bag and pour in marinade. Squeeze out air, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours but preferably 8 hours to overnight.

Prepare the Grill

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.

Dry and Season the Game Hens

Remove game hens from marinade, reserving marinade. Dry birds on paper towels. Season breast sides with salt.

Grill Breast-Side Down

Place game hens breast-side down onto the preheated grill and cook until skin shows browned grill marks, about 5 minutes; rotate hens 45 degrees and grill for 5 more minutes to make crosshatch grill marks.

Grill and Glaze with Marinade

Flip game hens onto their backs, brush with reserved marinade, and grill with the lid on for 5 minutes. Brush hens with more marinade. Repeat, cooking for 5 minutes, then brushing with more marinade, until game hens are deep golden brown and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reads 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), about 35 more minutes. Flip hens breast-side down, brush once more with marinade, and cook with the lid closed until marinade has glazed onto chicken, about 5 more minutes.