Name: Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Mustard Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Three 1½-pound Cornish Game Hens; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup whole grain mustard; 2 tablespoons dry white wine; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 242 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that impresses with its juicy tenderness and bold flavors, the Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Mustard Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe elevates the humble Cornish game hen by grilling it to perfection and pairing it with a tangy, slightly sweet mustard sauce that’s bursting with warm spices. The result is a wonderfully balanced main course that feels special enough for entertaining but easy enough for a weeknight treat. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy grilled poultry!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four stages of preparing grilled chicken halves in a collage. The first stage displays two raw chicken halves with pale pink skin and some white fat on a light wooden cutting board next to a large, old knife. The second stage shows six raw chicken halves spread out on a white baking tray, coated with black pepper and some seasoning, ready to be cooked. The third stage captures four seasoned chicken halves on a black grill with visible heat marks starting to appear, showing light reddish seasoning on the skin. The last stage shows six grilled chicken halves on a white oval plate, with a crispy, golden-brown and slightly charred skin sprinkled with fresh green parsley, placed on a white marbled surface next to a spoon and a small jar of grainy mustard. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but impactful ingredients is the secret behind making this recipe shine. Each component has its role, from seasoning the hens perfectly to creating a sauce that complements without overpowering.

Three 1½-pound Cornish Game Hens: These small hens are perfect for a tender, juicy grilled experience and individual portions.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the meat.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery heat that balances the richness.
¼ cup whole grain mustard: Gives the sauce its robust, tangy kick and delightful texture.
2 tablespoons dry white wine: Introduces a slight acidity and complexity to the mustard sauce.
1 tablespoon honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to soften the sharp mustard.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Included again in the sauce to layer on subtle heat.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a surprising depth of flavor.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a little aromatic intrigue, rounding out the sauce’s spice profile.

How to Make Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Mustard Sauce Recipe

Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Mustard Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Prepare the Hens

Start by removing and discarding the giblets and necks from the hens. Rinse each over cold water and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the grill sears them well. Carefully remove the skin, trim away any excess fat, then slice each hen in half lengthwise. This step creates perfect portions and helps even cooking. Lightly sprinkle the salt and freshly ground pepper over the hen halves to season them before grilling.

Step 2: Whisk Together Mustard Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the whole grain mustard, dry white wine, honey, freshly ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Whisk the ingredients until smooth, blending the tangy and spicy notes into a cohesive sauce that will baste the hens beautifully during cooking.

Step 3: Grill the Game Hens

Preheat your grill or oven broiler to medium-high heat. Place the hen halves, skin side down (meaty sides up if skin removed), on a grill rack or a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Grill for about 15 minutes on one side, basting occasionally with that luscious mustard sauce. Flip them over and continue grilling for another 15 minutes, basting frequently, until the juices run clear and the hens are perfectly cooked through.

How to Serve Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Mustard Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the dish. Thin lemon wedges can be served on the side for guests who love a citrusy brightness to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair these grilled game hens with earthy roasted vegetables such as carrots and parsnips or a creamy wild rice pilaf. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is also an excellent way to balance the bold mustard flavors while keeping things fresh and vibrant on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the hens halved as described or present them whole for a rustic yet elegant appeal. You can also serve the mustard sauce on the side in small ramekins, allowing everyone to add the amount they prefer. For a festive touch, garnish plates with edible flowers or microgreens to make your presentation truly unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled Cornish game hens should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days and remain delicious for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save the hens for longer, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen grilled hens can last up to two months, making this perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat the hens without drying them out, warm them slowly in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) covered with foil. You can also gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, covered, to retain moisture. Reheat the mustard sauce separately on low to keep its lovely texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use a regular oven instead of a grill?

Absolutely! You can broil the hen halves in your oven just as effectively as grilling them outdoors. Use a broiler pan to ensure even cooking and baste with the mustard sauce as directed for that wonderful glaze.

Is it necessary to remove the skin?

Removing the skin is recommended to keep the dish lighter and to allow the mustard sauce flavors to shine through, but if you prefer crispy skin, you can leave it on and just trim excess fat. Just keep in mind that skin-on hens might require slightly longer cooking time.

What wine works best in the mustard sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal here. Its acidity complements the mustard and balances the honey’s sweetness. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a splash of white grape juice or apple cider vinegar can substitute nicely.

Can I prepare the mustard sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, letting the sauce sit for a few hours allows the spices to meld beautifully. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before using to baste your hens.

How do I know when the Cornish game hens are fully cooked?

The hens are done when the juices run clear and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached at the thickest part of the meat. Cutting into the thigh to check is another good method to ensure there is no pink remaining.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Mustard Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed winner whenever you want to impress without stress. Its combination of tender, juicy poultry and a beautifully spiced mustard sauce makes every bite unforgettable. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated meal!

Grilled Cornish Game Hens with Mustard Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need